Young people's help‐giving actions towards a peer with a mental health problem: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Issue 4 (12th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Subasinghe, Aruni; Hart, Laura M.; Radeka, Angelika; Paxton, Susan J.; Morgan, Amy
• Is Part Of: Early intervention in psychiatry. Volume 17:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: 337
• Page End: 353
• Publication Date: 2022-10-12
• Subjects: adolescents -- help‐giving -- mental health problems -- social support -- young people; Mental health -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Research -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Prevention -- Research -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Treatment -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/eip.13354
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7885

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: Young people often seek help from their peers for mental health problems. However, little is known about young people's experiences of helping a peer with a mental health problem. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on young people's help‐giving actions, highlight any gaps in the research and examine the evidence for interventions designed to increase and improve help‐giving. The secondary aim was to compare findings between help‐giving in face‐to‐face and online settings. Methods: Embase, SCOPUS, PsycINFO and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched for English studies published from 2003 onwards. Studies focusing on the help‐giving actions of young people (aged 12–25 years) towards a peer with a mental health problem were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal tools. Data were synthesized using thematic and narrative analysis. Results: Twenty‐one studies (3440 participants) were included. The most frequently reported help‐giving themes were encouraging professional and adult support and providing emotional support. Although limited studies reported on online help‐giving, online settings allowed for immediate help to be provided despite time or location. Both positive and negative outcomes for helping were identified. Improvements in the quality of help‐giving were found after training; however, help‐giving for mental health crises was poor. Conclusions: Further research regarding the young people's help‐giving actions to peers online is required. Training programs need to consider how to further improve the quality of help‐giving among young people and to increase the trainees' confidence in helping, particularly in a mental health crisis.