Children's perspectives of psychosocial help-seeking in Kenya. Issue 2 (3rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Freeland, Louise; Haffejee, Sadiyya; Getanda, Elijah; Theron, Linda; Vostanis, Panos
• Is Part Of: Vulnerable children and youth studies. Volume 18:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 207
• Page End: 217
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03
• Subjects: Child -- psychosocial -- mental health help-seeking -- Majority World Countries; Child psychopathology -- Periodicals; Abused children -- Periodicals; Abused teenagers -- Periodicals; Mentally ill children -- Periodicals; 362.7
• DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2022.2124338
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-0128

Abstract

ABSTRACT: There is little knowledge on how children perceive psychosocial supports and seek help in resource-constrained settings. The aim of this study was to establish these perspectives among 22 children aged 7–10 years living in a disadvantaged community in Kenya. Children discussed available resources in response to three scenarios of common life stressors. Focus group discussions were subjected to thematic analysis. Children regularly sought internal and relational (family and peers) rather than external structural resources when faced with adversities. Their unique knowledge of their needs, environment and required supports should inform the development of interventions and services through developmentally appropriate participatory methods.