JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Young adults experience stressors in their transition to adulthood and are at increased risk of mental health challenges. This risk is compounded by young adults’ low levels of mental health literacy and limited competencies in implementing strategies promoting their mental health and well-being in their daily lives. In Sweden, there is a lack of co-designed and evidence-based interventions targeting these issues.

Objective:

The aims of this study were to conduct a needs-assessment of Swedish young adults’ mental health needs, obtaining their views on how a digital mental health application could potentially support their mental health during emerging adulthood.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 young adults and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

The interviews and subsequent analysis revealed three main themes: (1) “To Feel that Life is Worth Living”– Young Adults’ Needs for Mental Health and Well-being; (2) "A place for one's personal work toward their own mental well-being"– Young Adults’ Views on a Digital Mental Health Application; and, (3) “Something that is Designed for Me”– Customization of the Digital Mental Health Application.

Conclusions:

According to the participating young adults, promoting mental health and well-being during emerging adulthood means tending to meaningful relationships and activities. Mental ill-health stemmed from negative social media usage, societal challenges and difficulties in prioritizing and knowing how to recover from stress and anxiety. Utilizing digital technology and a digital mental health application was perceived as a potential accessible resource in delivering a strengths-based approach promoting the mental health and well-being in Swedish young adults’ daily lives.