Abstract
Background
The adolescent years (ages 10–25) represent a formative stage of growth, marked by both significant potential and increased susceptibility to mental health challenges. For marginalised youth, these vulnerabilities are often intensified by overlapping social and structural inequalities that shape their everyday experiences and access to support.
Purpose
This study aimed to understand how marginalised young people in Ireland navigate adversity and develop resilience, and to assess the role of purpose-designed digital mental health tools in supporting their emotional well-being.
Methods
Through creative workshops and semi-structured interviews with 41 participants across diverse backgrounds, the study explored youth perspectives and experiences. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, drawing insights across six key domains: individual, relational, systemic, cultural, digital, and purpose-built digital supports.
Results
Participants described adversity as complex and intersectional, shaped by academic pressure, family conflict, exclusion, and stigma. Resilience was seen as dynamic and context-specific, supported by emotional regulation, peer and community support, and resourcefulness. Digital spaces offered both benefits—such as connection and anonymity—and drawbacks, including stress, comparison, and misinformation. Purpose-built tools like mental health apps and youth websites were valued for accessibility and credible information, though concerns about engagement, safety, and cultural relevance remained.
Conclusion
Resilience should be understood as emerging from a broader socio-ecological context rather than residing solely within the individual. Effectively supporting the mental health of marginalised youth requires inclusive, co-created, and intersectional approaches that integrate relational, structural, and digital dimensions. Youth-informed, holistic strategies and policies are essential to fostering resilience and promoting equitable mental health outcomes.
The adolescent years (ages 10–25) represent a formative stage of growth, marked by both significant potential and increased susceptibility to mental health challenges. For marginalised youth, these vulnerabilities are often intensified by overlapping social and structural inequalities that shape their everyday experiences and access to support.
Purpose
This study aimed to understand how marginalised young people in Ireland navigate adversity and develop resilience, and to assess the role of purpose-designed digital mental health tools in supporting their emotional well-being.
Methods
Through creative workshops and semi-structured interviews with 41 participants across diverse backgrounds, the study explored youth perspectives and experiences. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, drawing insights across six key domains: individual, relational, systemic, cultural, digital, and purpose-built digital supports.
Results
Participants described adversity as complex and intersectional, shaped by academic pressure, family conflict, exclusion, and stigma. Resilience was seen as dynamic and context-specific, supported by emotional regulation, peer and community support, and resourcefulness. Digital spaces offered both benefits—such as connection and anonymity—and drawbacks, including stress, comparison, and misinformation. Purpose-built tools like mental health apps and youth websites were valued for accessibility and credible information, though concerns about engagement, safety, and cultural relevance remained.
Conclusion
Resilience should be understood as emerging from a broader socio-ecological context rather than residing solely within the individual. Effectively supporting the mental health of marginalised youth requires inclusive, co-created, and intersectional approaches that integrate relational, structural, and digital dimensions. Youth-informed, holistic strategies and policies are essential to fostering resilience and promoting equitable mental health outcomes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 1-1 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Accepted - 2 Apr 2026 |
| Event | 28th Biennial Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development - Incheon, Korea, Republic of Duration: 21 Jun 2026 → 25 Jun 2026 https://issbd.org/events/28th-biennial-meeting-of-the-issbd/ |
Conference
| Conference | 28th Biennial Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ISSBD |
| Country/Territory | Korea, Republic of |
| City | Incheon |
| Period | 21/06/26 → 25/06/26 |
| Internet address |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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