title: Perceptions of support-seeking in young people attending a Youth Offending Team: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.
abstract: High levels of mental health problems have been identified in young people who have offended (committed/been convicted of a criminal offence). However, as with many young people, they tend not to seek support for their difficulties. This research aimed to explore support-seeking in this population by asking 'What are the perceptions of support-seeking in young people attending a Youth Offending Team?' Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six males (aged 13-18) and the transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four master themes were revealed: Youth Offending Team attendance prompting reflection, Damaged self, Complexity of relationships and Internal conflicts. Generally participants perceived support-seeking as beneficial, but various barriers meant that they did not tend to view it as a viable coping strategy for themselves. Interventions aimed at addressing these barriers may help young people who have offended to seek support.
authors.affiliation: 1Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Dora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Petch
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D036301:Qualitative Research