Steps Toward Justice: a model for equitable involvement of young people in mental health promotion

Mental ill-health affects young people being marginalized to a greater extent than other young people. Nevertheless, are groups being marginalized underrepresented in health research and practice. Several models regarding youth participation have been developed, but knowledge is still lacking on how health promotion practitioners can equitably involve young people when developing health promotion efforts.

This study aims to (1) describe how participatory action research was used to develop a model for practitioners to equitably involve young people in mental health promotion initiatives and (2) present the finalized model, Steps Towards Justice.

Through a participatory action research approach, a group of practitioners constructed a model for an equitable involvement of young people in mental health promotion. The model was developed further together with focus groups of practitioners and young people.

The finalized model consists of three phases: preparing, conducting, and applying, with different steps of action to be taken in each phase. To identify inclusion and exclusion, practitioners need to be critical and aware of their own prejudice and values throughout the process. The practice of involving young people equitably also includes creating safe spaces and valuing young people of different backgrounds equally in their contribution to mental health promotion.

The model can be useful for practitioners wanting to involve young people when planning and conducting mental health promotion, for instance at schools or youth centers. It can foster the process of critical reflection around equitable practices and taking steps toward justice through concrete actions of involvement, moving beyond a vague discourse of "everyone is welcome."