A qualitative investigation into children’s perception and knowledge of mental health and illness

Toth, Eszter (2014) A qualitative investigation into children’s perception and knowledge of mental health and illness. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

There has been lack of research into the area of children’s knowledge and attitude towards mental illnesses. Social cognitive theories argue that children as young as 10 years old have the mental capability to understand complicated issues like an adult. However, according to social constructionism they are too naïve and simple-minded to do so. The current study aimed to explore how well children understand certain mental illnesses, including their treatments and to gain an insight into children’s attitudes towards mentally ill people. A convenience sample of 21 children were placed in focus groups of 7, taking part in a number of activities including group discussions, presentation and role-play. After thematic analysis was carried out, the three main themes that emerged were responsibility, body/mind binary and involvement of others. The research concluded the participating children were very insightful and had an excellent understanding, suggesting that they are often underestimated by society.