Co-producing better mental health research with young researchers in educational establishments

Mcpartlan, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1445-8613 (2025) Co-producing better mental health research with young researchers in educational establishments. In: McGovern, William, Alderson, Hayley, Bareham, Bethany Kate and Lhussier, Monique, (eds.) Public involvement and community engagement in applied health and social care research: critical perspectives and innovative practice. Emerald Publishing, Leeds, UK, pp. 69-79.

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Abstract

This chapter explores the learning experience of a teacher who returned to his previous school to conduct research. The research aim was to investigate the efficacy of a recently introduced mental health school strategy from the students’ viewpoint. Initial research concepts were to collect student data and draw conclusions. However, due to issues of power and trust, the study evolved into a collaborative exercise, which saw the researcher work with young people as partners. The research became a voyage of discovery as the working partnership between the researcher and young people matured into a transformational process for both parties. Young people's lived experience became a central tenant of the research methodology and process. What transpired was a better community research project that demonstrated benefits for both the individuals involved and the community. Whilst the focus of this work was school-based, there are lessons to learn for studies aiming for collaboration within communities.

Item Type:	Book Section
Publisher:	Emerald Publishing
ISBN:	9781836086789
Departments:	Institute of Health > Social Work, Children and Families
Additional Information:	Dave McPartlan, PhD, Honorary researcher, Institute of Health, University of Cumbria, UK. Chapter six within book. This work is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this work (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors.
Depositing User:	Insight Administrator
SWORD Depositor:	Insight Administrator
Date Deposited:	03 Nov 2025 14:35
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2025 08:00
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/9153

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