“My day is already planned out before I even get to choose it”: Using youth-oriented research to understand and measure what matters to youth ages 12-15 and the implications for mental health design and evaluation

Voices and experiences of youth ages 12–15 are rarely heard and prioritized. Understanding their perspectives is essential for tailoring effective mental health interventions and supports. As such, this qualitative study, co-designed with a youth advisory committee (n = 7), interviewed 19 youth (ages 12–15) to explore their understanding of good mental health. Interviews were analyzed thematically following a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Three overarching themes were identified: 1) Everything is OK , describing a state of being able to manage the challenges of life, 2) Building Personal Strength and Resources , needed to maintain good mental health as an adolescent, and 3) Seeking Acceptance and Community , emphasizing the profound influence of social connections. Addressing adolescent mental health effectively requires a nuanced understanding of their perspectives to develop responsive and impactful mental health interventions and their active involvement in all facets of service design, research, and policymaking.