Exploring perceptions of the mental health of youth in Mexico: A qualitative study

Limited information is available regarding the mental health of children and adolescents in Mexico (Paula, Duarte, & Bordin, 2007). The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to examine the construct of mental health of children and adolescents from the emic perspective of key informants in Mexico. Utilizing qualitative methods of inquiry and analysis, this study yielded a coding hierarchy representing key informants, descriptions of the valued mental health outcomes, socialization influences, stressors, and the resources available for supporting the mental health of children and adolescents in Mexico. The results of these efforts may inform the future development and evaluation of culture-specific definitions and interventions regarding the construct of mental health. Unique contributions to the literature included: (a) the focus on the mental health of youth in Mexico; (b) examining how educational outcomes for youth in Mexico was influenced by their mental health; and (c) the use of qualitative methods of inquiry compared to previous research use of quantitative measures to examine mental health in Mexico (e.g. surveys, self-report questionnaires). Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.