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Engaging Parents of Lower-Socioeconomic Positions in Internet- and Mobile-Based Interventions for Youth Mental Health: A Qualitative Investigation

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Growing literature supports the use of internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) targeting parenting behaviours to prevent child and adolescent mental health difficulties. However, parents of lower-socioeconomic positions (SEP) are underserved by these interventions. To avoid contributing to existing mental health inequalities, additional efforts are needed to understand the engagement needs of lower-SEP parents. This study qualitatively explored lower-SEP parents' perspectives on how program features could facilitate their engagement in IMIs for youth mental health. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 lower-SEP parents of children aged 0-18 to identify important program features. Participants were mostly female (81.3%) and aged between 26 and 56 years. Transcriptions were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Twenty-three modifiable program features important to lower-SEP parents' engagement in IMIs were identified. These features aligned with one of three overarching themes explaining their importance to parents' willingness to engage: (1) It will help my child; (2) I feel like I can do it; (3) It can easily fit into my life. The relative importance of program features varied based on parents' specific social and economic challenges. These findings offer initial directions for program developers in optimising IMIs to overcome barriers to engagement for lower-SEP parents.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179087

Authors: Grace Broomfield, Catherine Wade, Marie B. H. Yap

Institutions: Monash University, The University of Sydney, Parenting Research Centre, The University of Melbourne

Language: English

Topic: Digital Mental Health Interventions

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,484