Browsing by Subject "young adult"

This research examines the experiences of young queer, trans, non-binary and lesbian students with mental health services (MHS). The aim is to investigate the subjective and shared expectations, experiences and potential needs of LGBTQ+ youth within mental health services. A wider goal of the study is to contribute to broader discussions on social justice and mental healthcare provision. I utilized a theoretical framework that integrates a critical take on neoliberalism from the perspective of critical social psychology, intersectional feminism and queer theory, to analyze power dynamics and societal inequalities influencing these experiences. Employing reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), I analyzed data collected from two focus groups consisting of queer young adult students, adopting non-hierarchical perspective in line with the principles of critical participatory research and co-research. Recurrent themes in prior similar research are, for instance, stigma, lack of knowledge and the need for mental health care to be more LGBTQ+-inclusive and informed. According to the findings of this study, queer, trans, non-binary and lesbian students have certain expectations, experiences and demands about the quality of MHS that are influenced and shaped by transphobia, homophobia and racism. Firstly, knowledge hierarchies and inequalities within healthcare settings have influenced their help-seeking. Second, they experience being invisibilized, invalidated, being assumed about their background, burdened by responsibility and stigmatized within mental health services. Third, although participants receive assistance within the MHS, encounters with professionals have also generated counterproductive outcomes: distress, frustration, exacerbated minority stress, and harmful coping mechanisms such as avoiding seeking help and performing gender binary. Lastly, these queer, trans, non-binary and lesbian youth advocate for transformative changes within mental health services and emphasize the need for competence, validation from and safer encounters with healthcare providers, for the ultimate aim of all being seen, heard and supported. In addition, ensuring proper trans care is essential for the mental wellbeing of trans and non-binary individuals in Finland. In accordance with previous findings, this study enhances understanding of queer encounters with mental health services, pointing out the pervasive impact of cisheteronormativity, racism and neoliberalism on mental health service institutions and the broader field of health psychology.