The improvement of mental health among young adults and their peers in a disadvantaged community

The research focused on the empowerment of young adults in a disadvantaged community. The study looked at how empowerment unfolds through their involvement in developing and implementing a peer-led intervention for improving mental health among their peers, and in themselves. The focus of the young adults' intervention was on fostering mental health literacy among their peers. Data were collected through project meetings, also referred to as empowerment sessions, and a focus group discussion. The research was guided by the principles of action research, with particular interest in the participatory action research (PAR) model by Susman and Evered (1978). Findings from the study suggested that the process fostered aspects of psychological empowerment in the young adults, such a critical awareness of the environment, resource mobilisation, and the development of confidence and competencies. There were indications that the process also contributed to their psychological and social well-being. Their peers reportedly benefitted through receiving information on mental health and social support from the young adults during the process.

本研究聚焦于弱势社区中青年人的赋权。研究探讨了青年人通过参与开发和实施同伴领导的干预措施，以提升同龄人及自身心理健康的过程。青年人干预的重点在于培养同龄人的心理健康素养。数据收集通过项目会议，亦称赋权会议，以及焦点小组讨论进行。研究遵循行动研究的原理，特别关注Susman和Evered（1978年）提出的参与式行动研究（PAR）模型。研究结果显示，该过程在青年人中培养了心理赋权的多个方面，例如对环境的批判性认识、资源动员以及自信和能力的培养。研究还表明，该过程对他们的心理健康和社会福祉也有所贡献。据报告，青年人在此过程中向同龄人提供心理健康和社会支持的信息，从而使同龄人受益。