Psychosocial problems, service barriers, participation and interventions during crises: solutions for children and young people (CrisesSolutions)

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of mental wellbeing of children and young people as well as the vulnerability of mental health services in a crisis situation.

This multi-method research project will compare mental wellbeing trends within, and between, four Nordic countries (Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the basis of analyses of extensive survey and register data, the CrisesSolutions consortium will be able to map changes in psychosocial wellbeing.

Quantitative analyses will be complemented with qualitative research on personal experiences (interviews and focus group discussions with children, young people and mental health professionals) in order to obtain a more detailed and in-depth picture of the situation, and of possible solutions.

A special research interest is in most vulnerable risk groups with high risk of marginalization. An important element of the project is the development of a universal digital intervention to help children, young people and families to tackle anxiety and stress in crisis situations, and the subsequent study of the feasibility of the intervention.

The project relies on a participatory approach: children and young people will be involved in research design and intervention development through workshops and a digital platform. The main goal of CrisesSolutions is to improve understanding of the psychosocial well-being and resilience of children and young people related to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

The cross-cultural approach enables us to address how to best reduce the negative effects and consequences of the pandemic and the restrictions by research-based policy recommendations, knowledge about the most vulnerable groups, and developing interventions.