Aspects of social support networks among institutionalized adolescents

This study describes the social support networks on two adolescent units in two mental health centers. The purpose is to explore the possible existence and functions of informal peer support groups. A semi-structured interview schedule consisting of six questions was used. Participant observation was also used as a secondary method to substantiate the interview responses of 16 patients and 4 staff members (10 patients and 2 staff members on one ward and the remainder on the other ward). The results indicate that some form of peer support network exists on the wards as well as outside the institutions. Two emergent types of network, with some overlapping, are the action-oriented and the dialogue-oriented, with age and gender as the factors discriminating between them. Conclusions from the results are suggestive rather than conclusive. A much more extensive study would need to be undertaken to decisively refute or support the significance of peer groups among instiutionalized adolescents.