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The Majurity Trust (Client), The Majurity Trust (Funder), Centre for Evidence and Implementation (Partner), Blackbox Research (Partner)
This research study sought to clarify the factors that help or hinder youth when seeking mental health support early, as well as the sources of support and assistance that they turn to.
A quantitive population-representative survey was conducted involving a sample of 500 younger Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged 10 to 18 years old, equally split between younger adolescents (10-14) and mid-adolescents (15-18). While based on potential differences between these two developmental stages, the survey was designed to represent the demographics of the population. For each youth, a parent was also surveyed (i.e., 500 parents in total).
Additionally, 4 online focus group discussions were conducted - 2 with youths and 2 with parents of youths. A total of 10 youths and 8 parents participated in these discussions.
The study found that yourths most often said they would turn to immediate family members and friends for mental health support. Despite both youths and their parents preferring to manage mental health issues a thome, they expressed openness to seeking external help if needed.
In comparison to younger youths and parents, older youths indicated a more positive view of friends and peers as a source of mental health support. Older youths said that they are more likely to turn to friends and social media for support, while younger youths said they are more likely to turn to a teacher or school counsellor.
When looking for external sources of mental healh support, younger youths citied a lack of knowledge and access as their main challenges, while older yourhs were more concerned about trust and confidentiality.
This project informed the strategic decision of The Majurity Trust's Muslim Mas Bluestar Fund. Check out the executive summary here:
https://www.majurity.sg/tmt_research/youth-and-parent-attitudes-towards-mental-health-support/