Mapping a Taxonomic Framework for Developing Adolescent Mental Health Literacies for Educators, Librarians and Other Helping Professions

Abstract

The adolescent mental health burden is a global phenomenon with implications for morbidity and mortality. Adolescent health disparities have been impacted by the underutilization of mental health services, stigma and shortage of culturally and age-appropriate mental health programs and interventions globally. Mental health literacy is one way through which we can bridge this gap (Eisenbach & Frydman, 2012). This is because mental health literacy is an empowering tool that educators, librarians and helping professionals can utilize to promote community health while training emerging leaders across disciplines to develop culturally relevant services and resources (Mehra & Jaber, 2021). However, the translation and transportability of mental health literacies across various communities and contexts is contingent of several factors-the communities being served, cultural context, and the availability of resources. 

In this study, we searched APA PsycInfo, a premier database for mental health practitioners. We applied the following search terms, education, adolescents, “mental health literacy” or “mental health literacies” that were combined using a Boolean strategy. Our search generated 157 articles. Through a content analysis, we utilized the framework for information literacy for higher education (Association of College and Research Libraries, 2016) to analyze the abstracts of 80 of these articles. The findings could potentially bridge the gap in teaching, learning, practice and competencies for educators, librarians and mental health practitioners.