Psychosocial support for promoting mental health and wellbeing among adolescent young carers in Europe (Me-We), 2021

The research project “Psychosocial support for promoting mental health and well-being among adolescent young carers in Europe” (ME-WE), funded by the European Union (H2020; 2018-2021), aimed to develop an innovative framework of primary prevention interventions for AYCs aged 15-17 that have been tested in six European countries (Sweden - coordinator, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom). The ME-WE primary prevention intervention program for AYCs has been developed based on the theoretical framework of the DNA-V model (Discoverer, Noticer, Advisor and Values), an adaptation of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) evidence-based approach, which is suitable for working with adolescents to promote their well-being. Authors have conducted a randomized controlled trial with a two (arms) by three (times) repeated measures factorial design. Two different modes of delivery were applied: a) a fully face-to-face approach (adopted by Italy, Slovenia, and United Kingdom), and b) a blended approach that combines face-to-face and online sessions delivered via the ZOOM platform and a dedicated ME-WE mobile app (adopted by Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands) which was co-designed with AYCs at earlier stages of the project. To comply with the restrictions and precautionary measures introduced at national levels, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the study has been virtualized. No changes in the intervention contents »per se« were introduced, keeping the online intervention equivalent to the pre-COVID-19 version. Outcomes were measured at the individual level. Both the ME-WE intervention and the waitlist control group were assessed at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention for the ME-WE intervention group or after seven weeks for the waitlist control group (T1), and at 3 months follow-up (T2). Participant-reported outcome measures were analysed. After the 3 months follow-up the waitlist control group were offered to receive the same program as the intervention group. The data file as well as all accompanying materials are available only upon request.