Peers, Parents and Families as agents of influence on adolescents' perspectives towards people with Mental Health Problems: Mental Health Professionals' Views

Purpose - This study aims to explore mental health professionals' views on adolescent attitudes towards their peers with mental health problems and the influence of parental, familial and societal environments on these attitudes. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative research design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen mental health professionals in Bangalore, India, with at least two years of experience working with adolescents. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Findings - Mental health professionals reported diverse adolescent attitudes towards peers with mental health issues, ranging from support to bullying and exclusion. Family dynamics, peer influence and societal stigma were identified as significant factors shaping these attitudes. Research limitations/implications - The remote interviews during the pandemic limited access to non-verbal cues and work settings. The study focused on professionals' views from Bangalore, not capturing the diverse needs of adolescents across India. Additionally, practitioners from urban settings might not represent the challenges of their rural counterparts. The high concentration of female participants hinders generalisability. Variable interview lengths and participant openness might introduce bias, likely influenced by experience and views on mental health awareness. Practical implications - The findings underscore that adolescents' views on peer mental health are crucial for mental health professionals to design targeted interventions and support systems. Implementing programs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma can benefit schools and communities. Social implications - This study highlights the necessity of a holistic strategy to tackle adolescent mental health. Creating supportive peer environments, encouraging open family communication, and combating societal stigma can foster a more inclusive and mentally healthy society for adolescents. Originality/value - This study contributes to the growing body of research on adolescent mental health by providing insights into professionals' views of peer attitudes. It highlights the need for interventions addressing family stigma, promoting open communication and using social media for awareness.