4
journal of public mental health
VOLsISSUE
© Pier Professional Ltd, 2009
Key words
adolescents;
mental health
literacy;
child and adolescent
mental health
services (CAMHS)
importance of such research include the prevalence
of mental health problems and major mental illness
increases during adolescence (Jorm et al, 2006).
Meanwhile, their reluctance to access specialist
services generates concern (Rickwood et al, 2005).
Furthermore, the adolescents of today are the
adults of tomorrow. Their beliefs and attitudes will
affect service development, the quality of life of
those experiencing mental health problems, and
help-seeking behaviour (Armstrong et al, 2000;
Hinshaw, 2005).
Defining mental health and mental illness
Mental health and mental illness can be viewed as
two separate, yet related, issues.
Ryff and Singer (1998) suggest that health is not
a medical concept associated with absence of illness,
but a philosophical one that requires an explanation
of a ‘good life’. A good life being one where an
individual has a sense of purpose, is engaged in
quality relationships with others, and possesses
self-respect and mastery. This is synonymous with
the World Health Organization’s (2000; 2005)
definition of positive mental health. However, such
a definition is incomplete, as individuals do not exist
in isolation but are influenced by, and influence,
T
he findings presented in this paper are
from a survey conducted in 2006/07 as
part of a multiphase doctoral research
study. The overall aim of the study was
to examine the levels of mental health
literacy in a sample of mainstream adolescents
aged 12–15 years. This paper focuses on assessing
adolescents’ ability to recognise clinically defined
depression and psychosis, and three mental health
problems associated with loss. It also considers
implications for practice in terms of mental health
promotion. The development of the vignette-based
questionnaire and further findings are discussed
elsewhere (Leighton, 2009).
There is a small evidence base to date in
relation to adolescents’ mental health literacy.
Most research originates from Australia, with the
majority of adolescent studies found associated with
Jorm and colleagues (Wright et al, 2005; Cotton et
al, 2006; Jorm et al, 2006; Kelly et al, 2006; Wright
et al, 2007). The term mental health literacy
was first introduced in 1997, and was defined as
‘knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid
their recognition, management and prevention (Jorm
et al, 1997; p182). Research into this issue is an
area of growing interest. Identified reasons for the
EVALUATION
Sharon Leighton
Nurse Consultant in Child and
Adolescent Mental Health
South Staffordshire and
Shropshire Healthcare NHS
Foundation Trust
Honorary Visiting Fellowship: the
School of Health, Staffordshire
University
Honorary Research Nurse: The
Greenwood Institute of Child
Health, University of Leicester,
UK
Correspondence to:
Dr Sharon Leighton
Nurse Consultant in Child and
Adolescent Mental Health
CAMHS
Stafford Central Clinic
North Walls
Stafford ST16 3AE
UK
Email:
sharonleighton@btinternet.com
This paper reports on research into adolescents’ mental health literacy, focusing on their ability
to recognise two diagnosable mental illnesses and three mental health problems associated with
loss. A vignette-based questionnaire was developed and completed by a school-based sample
of adolescents. Different levels of understanding were identified for each vignette. Participants
responded well, demonstrating the different levels of understanding. Grading of the responses
provided an oppor tunity to explore and discuss differences between professional and lay
understanding of mental health and illness. It was also useful when considering implications for
practice. These were considered in relation to mental health promotion for young people and
training the workforce across the child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) tiers.
Adolescents’ understanding
of mental health problems:
conceptual confusion