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

Abstract

espanolLa bibliografia indica el papel positivo del apoyo social en la salud mental en acogimiento residencial. Sin embargo, la mayoria de los estudios se centran mas en la psicopatologia y menos en el bienestar. Ademas, se necesitan estudios sobre apoyo social multidimensionales y guiados por la teoria. Para abordar estos problemas, se desarrollo un estudio cualitativo con 29 jovenes en acogimiento residencial (76% hombres), de 12 a 19 anos. Los datos se recogieron en una entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados mostraron que los jovenes identifican fuentes significativas de apoyo social (iguales, profesionales en acogimiento y su familia) proveedoras de apoyo disponibles y efectivas. El apoyo social tambien se identifico como potenciador del funcionamiento psicologico positivo y como amortiguador de los problemas de funcionamiento psicologico. Las investigaciones futuras deberian incluir enfoques mas sistematicos multifuncionales, tanto en la evaluacion del apoyo social como en la salud mental. Se reconocen importantes implicaciones para los profesionales del sistema de justicia. EnglishThe 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.