Research Shows ‘Growing Through Change’ Programme Helps Young People Cope With Loss

Thirty participants, 17 males and 13 females, with an average age of 13 years participated in the study, while a subsample of six, three males and three females, with an average age of 13 years participated in the qualitative study.  

Discussing the findings of the research Bridie Sheridan, Director, Youthlife says: “Youthlife have been working with children and young people in the community for 22 years and we recognise that loss is a big issue in young people’s lives. 92% of young people in the UK experience loss of a significant relationship before their 16th birthday. This includes 5% of children who experience the death of parent before the age of 15 and a third of children who lose the family life they once knew when parents separate.

“We have seen very heartening results from the targeted interventions of the ‘Growing Through Change’ residential programme and we are very happy to have this opportunity to work with the university. We are very appreciative of the high ethical standards applied by the university and the stringent parameters of the research. We welcome the results, and the learning that can be taken from them, in our continuing efforts to support the mental and emotional well-being of the young people who present to us for help. We look forward to further collaboration in the future.”

Stephen Clarke, who conducted the research as part of an MSc in Applied Psychology says: "The study measured anxiety and depression symptoms pre and post-intervention, using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). The results showed that the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, whilst a waiting list control group, who did not take part in the ‘Growing Through Change’ programme, showed no change in their anxiety and depression symptoms during the study.

"The findings highlight how useful interventions can be in helping young people who are experiencing difficulties associated with bereavement or loss. Whilst many young people manage loss and bereavement without the need for extra support, grief may contribute to psychological distress in others. For example, bereavement in adolescence has been associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, anger, difficulties concentrating in school, behavioural problems, low self-esteem, and isolation. Therefore, interventions such as Youthlife's ‘Growing Through Change’ programme may be of benefit to young people at risk of such difficulties.”

Claire Mulrone, Community Engagement Manager at Ulster University and Manager of The Science Shop says:

“The Science Shop at Ulster University has a track record of matching community groups with students with the right skills and knowledge to explore community-based research. Stephen took on this task and produced an excellent report. I am confident that Youthlife will be able to use this report that provides an independent review of the vital work Youthlife undertakes with young people and to share this good practise with others. Stephen was an excellent Science Shop student who thoroughly enjoyed this community based research and learning opportunity.”

Professor Siobhan O'Neill from Ulster's Psychology Research Institute who supervised the research concludes:

“This is part of a broader programme of research at Ulster into mental health and suicide in Northern Ireland. We are committed to working towards a deeper understanding of mental health and we know that young people who have experienced bereavement, particularly loss due to suicide, have an elevated risk of mental health problems.

"The group in this study indicated that they do not normally talk about their problems. Therefore, the ‘Growing Through Change’ programme gave them a voice, giving them permission to talk about the thoughts and feelings that they had been having difficulty coping with and had ‘bottled up’. Being understood by their peers was important to the participants, as they believed that people outside the group did not understand them, including parents, counsellors and friends who had not experienced bereavement or loss.

“Youthlife play an important role in supporting these young people. Stephen's research helps us understand how such programmes work and importantly, how we can continue to improve the services provided.”

For further information on Youthlife and the type of support services that they provide log onto www.youthlife.org.