Emerging Adults' Evaluation of Their Treatment in an Outpatient Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program. Issue 6 (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arcaro, Justin A.; Tremblay, Paul F.; Summerhurst, Carolyn; Wammes, Michael; Dash, Pamela; Osuch, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Emerging adulthood. Volume 7:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 432
• Page End: 443
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: mental health services -- qualitative -- mood disorders -- anxiety disorders -- emerging adulthood; Young adults -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; 305
• DOI: 10.1177/2167696818777339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2167-6968

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate emerging adults' (EAs) perspectives of treatment from an outpatient program specializing in mood and anxiety disorders for EAs. A sample of 22 participants between the ages of 18 and 27 participated in semistructured interviews at least 19 months after the start of treatment. A thematic analysis was conducted on the transcripts of these interviews based on the procedure outlined in Braun and Clarke. A description of the analysis and themes was presented to a subset of participants to evaluate authenticity and credibility of the researchers' interpretations. Participants reported lasting improvements in symptom reduction and functioning, which were accompanied by self-acceptance and feeling empowered to actively affect change in their life. They also viewed treatment as an investment in their mental health and well-being. These results reveal characteristics of intervention strategies valued by EAs that can contribute to long-term improvements.