Summary

Despite growing concern for youth mental health, young people’s own perspectives on what mental well-being is and what supports them in this remain underrepresented in research and policy. This project addresses this gap by centering youth voices in defining what mental well-being means to them. We began with a systematic literature review to map all European studies that have published comparable research, from which we developed a heuristic model of overarching themes and relevant contexts. We then conducted a qualitative study with young people (age 15 to 18), in which we analyzed this model together and supplemented it with their own experiences around mental well-being, stigma, and support. During these co-creation sessions, young people also identified concrete solutions for improving mental well-being support in various contexts, such as at home, in school, and in society at large. Through our research, we highlight what it means for young people to feel well and make visible where youth perspectives challenge existing frameworks. In conversation with young people, we contribute to shaping more inclusive and responsive research, policy, and practice around youth mental well-being.