Byrne, Sadhbh and Swords, Lorraine and Nixon, Elizabeth (2015) Mental Health Literacy and Help-Giving Responses in Irish Adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Research, 30 (4). pp. 477-500. ISSN 0743-5584

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Abstract

This study assessed mental health literacy in Irish adolescents (N = 187), and explored participants’ help-giving responses toward hypothetical depressed peers. Participants read five vignettes, each describing an adolescent experiencing a life difficulty; two of the characters met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., DSM-IV) criteria for depression. The majority of participants could not identify depression or potential suicidality, but felt concerned for the depressed characters’ well-being. Most participants stated they would provide help if they were the depressed characters’ friends. Correct identification of depression did not influence the type of help offered. A significant proportion of participants did not mention engaging an adult’s assistance, and assessing for suicidality was not mentioned by any participant. Gender differences were found in mental health literacy and the type of responses offered. Education that emphasizes the importance of informing an adult and assessing for suicidal risk is recommended.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	adolescence; mental health literacy; help-giving; peers; depression;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
Item ID:	16647
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558415569731
Depositing User:	Sadhbh Byrne
Date Deposited:	24 Oct 2022 11:39
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Adolescent Research
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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