Social Support and Mental Health of Young People in Residential Care: A Qualitative Study

• Autores: Sofia Ferreira, Eunice Magalhâes, Ana Prioste
• Localización: Anuario de psicología jurídica, ISSN 1133-0740, Nº. 30, 2020, págs. 29-34
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.5093/apj2019a12
• Títulos paralelos:
  • El apoyo social y la salud mental de los jóvenes en acogimiento residencial: estudio cualitativo
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• Dialnet Métricas: 4 Citas
• Resumen
  • español

    La bibliografía indica el papel positivo del apoyo social en la salud mental en acogimiento residencial. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los estudios se centran más en la psicopatología y menos en el bienestar. Además, se necesitan estudios sobre apoyo social multidimensionales y guiados por la teoría. Para abordar estos problemas, se desarrolló un estudio cualitativo con 29 jóvenes en acogimiento residencial (76% hombres), de 12 a 19 años. Los datos se recogieron en una entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados mostraron que los jóvenes identifican fuentes significativas de apoyo social (iguales, profesionales en acogimiento y su familia) proveedoras de apoyo disponibles y efectivas. El apoyo social también se identificó como potenciador del funcionamiento psicológico positivo y como amortiguador de los problemas de funcionamiento psicológico. Las investigaciones futuras deberían incluir enfoques más sistemáticos multifuncionales, tanto en la evaluación del apoyo social como en la salud mental. Se reconocen importantes implicaciones para los profesionales del sistema de justicia.

  • English

    The literature suggests the positive role of social support in mental health in residential care. However, most of the studies are focused on psychopathology and fewer on well-being. Also, theoretically-oriented and multidimensional studies on social support are needed. To address these problems, a qualitative study was developed with 29 young people in residential care (76% males), aged from 12 to 19 years old. Data was collected with a semi-structured interview. Results showed young people identify meaningful sources of social support (peers, residential care, and family), considering them available and effective support providers. Social support was also identified as an enhancer of positive psychological functioning and as a buffer of psychological functioning problems. Future research should involve more systematic, multidimensional approaches, both in assessing social support and in mental health. Important implications are recognized for professionals in the justice system.

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