Perceived barriers and facilitating factors to positive mental health and engagement with support services for young offenders – A systematic literature review

Abstract

Aim(s):This systematic review aims to provide an overview of evidence regarding the link between offending and mental health difficulties, before focusing upon young people’s (YP’s), parents’ and professionals’ experiences of mental health provision.Method/Rationale:Within the literature there is a wealth of quantitative research focused upon the needs of young offenders (YOs); however, less weighting is given to individuals’ perspectives. Consequently, this paper aims to explore how mental health provision is experienced by those in the system. Four databases were included in the systematic search (PsychINFO (1806 to present), EBSCO, ERIC, and ProQuest) and seven papers were selected, published between 2004 and 2016.Findings:Findings indicate that barriers to help-seeking include: stigma, self-reliance, lack of trust, poor relationships, perceived lack of control and poor emotional literacy. Accessibility of social support was identified as a facilitating factor, alongside non-judgemental, trustworthy professionals with sound knowledge of YP’s developmental and mental health needs.Limitations:This paper outlines a small-scale systematic literature review including seven qualitative papers; therefore, findings cannot be generalised to the wider population of YOs.Conclusions:Results support a contextualised understanding of YOs’ experience of mental health provision. Findings are expected to support the development of effective mental health strategies for young offenders in the future. Implications for professional practice are considered alongside recommendations for the role of Educational Psychologists (EPs).