Perceptions of support-seeking in young people attending a Youth Offending Team: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

High levels of mental health problems have been identified in young people who have offended (committed/been convicted of a criminal offence). However, as with many young people, they tend not to seek support for their difficulties. This research aimed to explore support-seeking in this population by asking 'What are the perceptions of support-seeking in young people attending a Youth Offending Team?' Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six males (aged 13-18) and the transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four master themes were revealed: Youth Offending Team attendance prompting reflection, Damaged self, Complexity of relationships and Internal conflicts. Generally participants perceived support-seeking as beneficial, but various barriers meant that they did not tend to view it as a viable coping strategy for themselves. Interventions aimed at addressing these barriers may help young people who have offended to seek support.

Emotion Recognition and Perceived Social Support in Young People Who Offend

“…Early experiences have indeed been found to impact social support, with reports that attachment styles are related to the availability of socially supportive relationships, social support skills (Ma, 2006), willingness to seek social support (Bartholomew et al 19997) and feelings experienced at receiving support (Sarason et al 1990). This has also been evidenced with YPwO, who have reported that a damaged self, complexity of relationships and internal conflict acted as barriers to seeking social support (King et al 2014). Figure 1.6: Integrated perspective of perceived social support and outcome (Sarason et al 1990)…”

“…YPwO expressed the view that barriers related to issues of understanding, stigma and confidentiality, prevent accessing support (King et al 2014;Walsh et al 2011). Sociocultural barriers to effective support are claimed to arise from the 'new youth justice system' (Goldson 2000), borne out of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (CDA, 1998).…”

“…Colvin et al (2002) build on Cullen's theory by emphasizing the importance of consistency of support. Indeed, research with YPwO has revealed high levels of social support needs (Chitsabesan et al 2006;King et al 2014) and social support is reported to significantly reduce the risk of offending and to improve the success integration following detention (Griffiths et al 2007;Wilkinson, 2005).…”

“…YPwO residing in the community are most likely to seek and receive support from people with whom they have a long-standing relationship and YOT's are a less preferred source of support, not as a result of a lack of provision, but because of psychological, social, structural and cultural barriers, such as issues of understanding, stigma and confidentiality (Walsh et al 2011). Similarly, King et al (2014) reported that YPwO residing in the community found formal support-seeking helpful, but that a damaged self, complexity of relationships and internal conflict acted as barriers to seeking social support. King et al (2014) also reported that YPwO appeared to present with emotional skill difficulties, which may be an additional barrier to support seeking behaviour.…”

“…Similarly, King et al (2014) reported that YPwO residing in the community found formal support-seeking helpful, but that a damaged self, complexity of relationships and internal conflict acted as barriers to seeking social support. King et al (2014) also reported that YPwO appeared to present with emotional skill difficulties, which may be an additional barrier to support seeking behaviour.…”