EXPLORING PERCEPTIONS OF ADOLESCENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH: A QUALITATIVE STUDY WITH EDUCATORS, SOCIAL WORKERS, AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN MACAU

As suicide and medical consultation rates among local adolescents in Macau rise, their mental health becomes increasingly concerning, highlighting a lack of relevant local research. This qualitative study examines the perspectives of adult helping professionals in Macau regarding adolescents' mental health. It involved semi-structured interviews with 12 professionals, including social workers, teachers, counselors, and psychotherapists. The analysis of the interview data revealed six significant themes impacting the mental health of young people: adult sensitivity to adolescents, excessive online information, the influence of peers or significant others, negative self-image and life experiences, and family and socio-cultural factors. The study's findings highlight the protective role of adult sensitivity to adolescents, the prevalence of excessive online information, the influence of peers and significant others, negative self-image and life experiences, and negative socio-cultural factors in Macau. The study underscores the societal demand for success, the need for family-friendly policies, limited public knowledge about mental health, and the protective impact of adult sensitivity on adolescents' mental health. Recommendations include that the government prioritize adolescents' needs, foster multiple abilities, enhance teachers' understanding of mental health and treatment methods, strengthen the workforce, optimize family-friendly policies, value parent-child time, and integrate emotional education courses into the educational system to boost public awareness of mental health. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners committed to improving the mental health of Macau's youth.