A theory of youth mental health recovery from a parental perspective

Background Mental health disorders have a negative impact on the individual, society and global economy. The prevalence of mental disorders is increasing in young people, if unaddressed, they may develop into severe and chronic illnesses. Despite this, research into youth mental health recovery is limited. The current study aims to develop a theoretical framework of recovery in youth mental health and identify what facilitates this process. Methods Fourteen parents of children engaged with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service were interviewed in relation to their understanding of youth mental health recovery. The transcripts of these interviews were analysed using the constructivist grounded theory approach. Results A theoretical model of youth mental health was developed. The model provides an understanding of (a) the characteristics of youth mental health recovery, (b) the facilitators of recovery and (c) the barriers to recovery. The theory suggests that due to developmental factors youth mental health recovery occurs within the ecological context of complex social systems. Conclusions The theory reflects elements of existing developmental and recovery research and provides a novel understanding of youth mental health recovery. This model may inform social, government and service attitudes and policy, and highlights areas for future research.