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Carlijn Kamphuis and Gonneke Stevens, both researchers at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ's Interdisciplinary Social Science department, have been from the Dutch Research Agenda. The two academics will use this grant to investigate the relationship between poverty and the mental health of young people, in close collaboration with a broad consortium.

Young people who grow up in poverty have an increased risk of mental health issues. Although the risk factors differ, they are not infrequently external. Kamphuis: 'Examples include social exclusion, a lack of safety in the neighbourhood and stress in the family.' However, most of the interventions aimed at improving the mental health of these young people focus on the young people themselves. Kamphuis and Stevens want to change the approach.

We have selected two neighbourhoods: one in Utrecht and one in Amersfoort.

Core team in neighbourhoods

With their project, the Utrecht youth researchers will focus instead on the complex system of risk factors underlying mental health issues. Stevens: 'We have selected two neighbourhoods: one in Utrecht and one in Amersfoort. In each of these neighbourhoods, we will form a core team consisting of young people, their parents, professionals, policymakers and researchers.' These core teams will work to gain insight into the complex system of interacting factors in the relationships between poverty and the mental health of young people in that particular neighbourhood. Stevens: 'On this basis, we will develop a system-oriented, integrated approach to improving the mental health of young people, as well as researching effective principles and the best way to implement them.'  

As a researcher, it is a little stressful to let go of a lot of things and to have less control.

Involved

The researchers are looking forward to working with young people and their parents. Kamphuis: 'In our action research, the target group will be involved at every stage: from determining the problem to be investigated through to selecting interventions and the accompanying research. We think that this will greatly improve the social relevance and impact. As a researcher, it is a little stressful to let go of a lot of things and to have less control. It will be a learning process for everyone.'

Super happy

Both researchers were naturally delighted when they learned that their project had been awarded the grant. Stevens: 'Yes, we were super happy when we received the redeeming email. We will be carrying out this project together with Amsterdam UMC, Pharos, the Trimbos Institute, the municipalities of Utrecht and Amersfoort, Mind and various Municipal Health Services (GGDs), among others. The reactions of these partners to the grant were also very enthusiastic. We are all really looking forward to getting started on this great project.'