Engaging youth in participatory research: A trans-national Canada-France study to improve youth mental health and wellbeing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding health, social and economic implications have resulted in significant life changes for youth. One of the most critical impacts has been on youth mental health and wellbeing. To address the mental health needs of diverse youth populations during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, the proposed internship will advance the CIHR-funded France-Canada Observatory on COVID-19, Youth Health, and Social Wellbeing (FOCUS), an international mixed-methods comparative study that investigates the experiences of youth living in Canada and France in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the proposed three-month internship is to improve the FOCUS Study’s community-based and participatory research capacity with youth (ages 15-29) in France through the in-person organization of a Youth Advisory Council (YAC), matching an established capacity in Canada. This engagement of youth in mental health research will help to ensure that the FOCUS Study’s research questions, analyses, and sources of support are well designed for the needs and interests of youth.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rod Knight

Student:

Partner:

Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Global Health; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Pandemic Preparedness

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: