Co-Creation and Validation of a Social Media Resource for Mental Health Literacy Among Spanish Adolescents

This study aims to design (co-create) and validate a social media resource for mental health literacy (MHL) based on the interests of adolescents.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted between November 2023 and July 2024. The sample comprised 30 third- and fourth-year secondary school students and 10 teachers from three schools in Barcelona, along with 15 health professionals and 7 communication professionals. Co-creation data were collected through student focus groups, and the resource was validated via an online survey completed by the teachers and health and communication professionals. The findings are reported following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

As part of the resource co-creation process, students chose the: (1) theme (non-suicidal self-harm, and behavioural problems and anger management issues); (2) social media to be used for dissemination (TikTok's For You Page and/or Instagram); (3) format (1- to 2-min video featuring a young professional providing advice/tips and essential information in a friendly, approachable way); and (4) other aspects (use of trends and subtitles). Validation by professionals confirmed that the content, format and dissemination channel are appropriate for reaching adolescents. They also considered the resource useful, reported that they would use it with adolescents in their care, and said they would recommend it. The overall score for the proposed resource was 4.09 out of 5.

The co-creation process enabled the design of a social media resource for digital MHL that reflects adolescents' needs and interests. Future research should analyse the potential of such resources to promote MHL among adolescents and define their role within broader interventions.

Adolescents, guided by a facilitator, co-designed a mental health resource that was subsequently validated by professionals in education, communication and health.