Abstract
In our neighbouring countries, there seems to be a rise in the number of young people experiencing mental health problems. However, there is only sparse knowledge regarding the psychological well-being among young people in the Faroe Islands. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the mental well-being of Faroese high school students. The study was quantitative and qualitative. First, 1.295 high school students completed the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale that
assesses the experience of mental well-being. Second, we invited seven students and two student counsellors to participate in semi-structured group interviews. The purpose of the interviews was to get an insight into the students’ daily life focusing on their well-being. The results from the quantitative research showed that the young women report a worse mental well-being than the young men do, and that the
mental well-being of both sexes improves with age. The research also showed that students from high schools with more handy or practical educations report a better mental well-being than students from high schools with predominantly literary educations do. The main topics drawn from the qualitiative interviews were
‘online living’, ‘the performing generation’, ‘developing identities in a small society’, and ‘dealing with suffering’. Overall, Faroese high school students report good mental well-being, but they do feel pressured by high demands regarding appearance, performance and identity. Some of this pressure is a natural part of the development in adolescence and youth, and some is created in interaction with the immediate environment and society. Based on our research, we propose three recommendations.
First, the high demands experienced by young women in particular must be thematized early, e.g., in elementary school. Second, we need youth counseling centres with an interdisciplinary team. Third, research in this area needs to be prioritized.
assesses the experience of mental well-being. Second, we invited seven students and two student counsellors to participate in semi-structured group interviews. The purpose of the interviews was to get an insight into the students’ daily life focusing on their well-being. The results from the quantitative research showed that the young women report a worse mental well-being than the young men do, and that the
mental well-being of both sexes improves with age. The research also showed that students from high schools with more handy or practical educations report a better mental well-being than students from high schools with predominantly literary educations do. The main topics drawn from the qualitiative interviews were
‘online living’, ‘the performing generation’, ‘developing identities in a small society’, and ‘dealing with suffering’. Overall, Faroese high school students report good mental well-being, but they do feel pressured by high demands regarding appearance, performance and identity. Some of this pressure is a natural part of the development in adolescence and youth, and some is created in interaction with the immediate environment and society. Based on our research, we propose three recommendations.
First, the high demands experienced by young women in particular must be thematized early, e.g., in elementary school. Second, we need youth counseling centres with an interdisciplinary team. Third, research in this area needs to be prioritized.
| Translated title of the contribution | The mental well-being among Faroese high school students |
|---|---|
| Original language | Faroese |
| Publisher | Felagið Føroyskir Sálarfrøðingar |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Place of Publication | Tórshavn |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Keywords
- young adult
- mental health
- Faroe Islands
