Co-creating science communication and research with young people about their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

TY - CONF

T1 - Co-creating science communication and research with young people about their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

AU - Maindal, Nina

AU - Poulsen, Signe Herbers

AU - Oddershede, Kristian

AU - Sejerkilde, Mathias

AU - Breiner Pedersen, Stine

AU - Haghju, Manizha

AU - Sinclair, Emma

AU - Harrits, Anne

AU - Kirk, Ulrik Bak

AU - Sherson, Jacob

AU - Kragh, Gitte

PY - 2023/10

Y1 - 2023/10

N2 - During the COVID-19 lockdown, many young individuals faced significant mental health challenges as their daily lives underwent radical changes. They were confined to their homes and deprived of regular social activities. In the project "Giving Young People a Voice," we took the initiative to engage young individuals in two-way science communication regarding their mental health, as well as co-creation of coping strategies to empower them. Furthermore, we engaged five of the young people as co-researchers and workshop facilitators. Through three iterative and participatory workshops we actively involved more than 150 (16-20 y/o) young individuals in a co-creative process. The initial workshop focused on the challenges and benefits the young people experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown. In the following workshop, a group of young individuals undertook the task of analyzing these reflections. In the third workshop, a separate group of young participants effectively translated the synthesized reflections into actionable recommendations or advice. Finally, the collaboration was documented by a mixed method approach containing both interviews, observations, and a questionnaire. Results demonstrated value creation for all participants and provided valuable insights for enhancing two-way science communication and co-creation. We propose that involving young co-researchers can be an effective approach to engaging other young people in research through peer-to-peer communication and fostering meaningful participation for all.

AB - During the COVID-19 lockdown, many young individuals faced significant mental health challenges as their daily lives underwent radical changes. They were confined to their homes and deprived of regular social activities. In the project "Giving Young People a Voice," we took the initiative to engage young individuals in two-way science communication regarding their mental health, as well as co-creation of coping strategies to empower them. Furthermore, we engaged five of the young people as co-researchers and workshop facilitators. Through three iterative and participatory workshops we actively involved more than 150 (16-20 y/o) young individuals in a co-creative process. The initial workshop focused on the challenges and benefits the young people experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown. In the following workshop, a group of young individuals undertook the task of analyzing these reflections. In the third workshop, a separate group of young participants effectively translated the synthesized reflections into actionable recommendations or advice. Finally, the collaboration was documented by a mixed method approach containing both interviews, observations, and a questionnaire. Results demonstrated value creation for all participants and provided valuable insights for enhancing two-way science communication and co-creation. We propose that involving young co-researchers can be an effective approach to engaging other young people in research through peer-to-peer communication and fostering meaningful participation for all.

KW - Citizen science

KW - Co-creation

KW - Science Communication

KW - Mental health

KW - Covid-19

U2 - 10.5281/zenodo.10040092

DO - 10.5281/zenodo.10040092

M3 - Poster

T2 - Citizen Science for Health Conference 2023

Y2 - 29 October 2023 through 1 November 2023

ER -