Youth

The prevalence of mental health issues among young people has significantly increased over the past decade. This is particularly concerning as this period coincides with rapid social, emotional, and cognitive development, along with critical life transitions.

Youth and socio-economic adversity

Economic uncertainties, limited opportunities, and financial pressures can cast a shadow over the mental health of young individuals. The pursuit of educational and career goals, often intensified by economic disparities, can contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy.

Moreover, the societal expectations linked to economic success can create a sense of pressure and impact self-esteem. For those facing socio-economic adversity, the challenges are compounded, as limited resources may restrict access to mental health support. The resulting emotional toll can affect not only immediate well-being but also future prospects.

To address this, ADVANCE will conduct a hybrid efficacy-effectiveness randomized controlled trials of STARS intervention for socio-economically disadvantaged young adults, aged 18–25 years, in Lithuania. 

Lithuania is one of the countries in the EU with the largest proportion of people affected by poverty and social exclusion. Across the EU, this risk tends to be higher in young adults. Socio-economically disadvantaged young adults are more often exposed to various life-stressors, such as unemployment, interpersonal stressors, dropout of educational institutions. Digital mental health interventions are a highly promising intervention for young adults in Lithuania, as the country has 100% 4G broadband coverage and comparatively high digital access.

Intervention to be studied

Sustainable Technology for Adolescents and Youth to Reduce Stress (STARS)

Ten 20-30 minute sessions delivered through an online chatbot using computers, tablets, or smartphones with a trained non-specialist providing motivation and support.

A person using a tablet

Meet the team in Lithuania

Youth and Climate Change

As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the mental health of the youth is emerging as a significant and pressing concern. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation not only pose tangible threats but also exert a profound toll on the psychological well-being of young individuals.

The uncertainty and anxiety associated with a changing climate, coupled with the realization of a future shaped by environmental challenges, contribute to heightened stress levels among the youth. Witnessing the immediate and long-term consequences of ecological shifts, such as natural disasters and resource scarcity, can lead to feelings of fear, anger, grief, and a sense of powerlessness.

To address this, ADVANCE will conduct a hybrid efficacy-effectiveness RCT of EMIcompass with youth (12–25 years) affected by climate change in Germany.

Recent extreme weather event in Germany have shown a negative impact on mental health, especially in children and adolescents. In July 2021, Germany was dramatically hit by deadly floods, which left a trail of destruction with total cost of damage estimated to more than €30 billion. Currently, the local population is still facing challenges including temporary infrastructure (e.g., schools), and lack of access to government support. In addition, representative studies in Germany have shown that 65% of young people report negative emotions in relation to climate change, and in 26% these were also related to a decrease in mental health. As such, climate distress concerns also a broader target group among young people and can be viewed as a mental health risk.

Intervention to be studied

EMICompass

A novel, accessible, hybrid ecological momentary intervention for improving emotional resilience to stress in youth with early mental health problems.

A placard that shows a cartoon drawing of Greta Thunberg

Meet the team in Germany