"Let's Talk About It": Culturally Responsive Mental Health Social Media Campaign for Youth by Youth

• In Event: Youth Mental Health: Mindfulness, Cyberbullying, and Peer Relationships

Abstract

This study presents the development of a school-based, culturally responsive social media campaign. The campaign's goal is to improve mental health (MH) stigma and help-seeking behaviors among U.S. American Black youth. Our research question is: What elements do Black U.S. American high school students seek a culturally responsive, mental health social media campaign? In this project, the students were considered the principal sources of knowledge. A youth participatory action research (YPAR) approach was used. From the design to implementation stages of this study, Black youth served as co-investigators. Our team evaluated the seminal Look Around campaign to assess and tailor it more towards the needs of Black youth to improve their mental health outcomes and reduce stigma.

Authors

• Mya White

• Lauren Ngowi

• Asia Smith

• David Aguayo, University of Missouri - Columbia

• Monique Luisi, University of Missouri - Columbia

• Clark Peters, University of Missouri - Columbia

• Aaron Mathew Thompson, University of Missouri, Columbia

• Wendy Reinke, University of Missouri