YOUNG-KIN: The mental wellbeing of children as next of kin: Examining their life conditions and testing a psychosocial intervention

Research problem and specific questionsThe YOUNG-KIN project is about the mental wellbeing of children as next of kin (CANOK): children whose parent (or other co-habiting family member) have serious health issues (mental disorder or disability, serious physical illness or injury, are addicted to alcohol or other agents) or have died unexpectedly.

The project unveils the life conditions of young CANOK (12-15-years old) and the impact on their mental wellbeing.

It also co-develops and tests a psychosocial intervention for primary and secondary prevention of mental health issues usually linked with being CANOK.The project aims to answer the following research questions:What is the prevalence and distribution of the role of CANOK in Sweden among different demographic, socio-economic, psychosocial, and health conditions?What are CANOK’s life conditions and risk factors for their mental wellbeing?Do these life conditions and risk factors differ for female compared to male CANOK?What are the needs and preferences of mental health support among CANOK?Is the project psychosocial intervention programme for CANOK effective and sustainable?

Data and methodThe project has a mixed-methods design which includes four sub-studies: (1) the development of a theoretical and conceptual model through a scoping review; (2) a survey questionnaire among children/adolescents aged 12-15-years (empirical observational study); (3) a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing a psychosocial intervention for CANOK (empirical intervention study); (4) the organisation of periodical Blended Learning Networks (BLNs) with end users and stakeholders (participatory research method).

Plan for project realisationThe project will be organised in five scientific work packages (WPs):WP1: Theoretical and conceptual model of the CANOK role (sub-study 1: scoping review)WP2: Survey design, data collection and analysis (sub-study 2: survey questionnaire)WP3: Intervention design, implementation and evaluation (sub-study 3: RCT)WP4: User and stakeholder engagement through a BLN and Advisory and Ethics Board (AEB) (sub-study 4: BLN)WP5: Raising awareness and reaching societal impact RelevanceCANOK are an under-investigated group of children/adolescents, who often experience challenging life situations (due to family members´ frail conditions), mental health issues, and social inequalities.

The project will shed light on prevalence, mental health issues and needs, and effective support for CANOK in Sweden.