Co-designing Guidelines for Using Arts-based methods when Conducting Youth Mental Health Research in Online Environments

Co-designing research-informed guidelines with youth for adapting research methods to other contexts has received little research attention. We report on guidelines co-designed with youth for adapting arts-based methods (ABM) for youth mental health (MH) research in online environments. Seven youth co-researchers participated in 3 co-design workshops and 2 graphic recording focus groups. Data analysis involved a thematic analysis approach. We identified one overarching theme (sustaining mindful presence when conducting research) and 4 subthemes (creating a safe space, youth having a say, facilitating meaningful engagement, paying receptive attention throughout the research process). Facilitating participants’ authentic expression in online environments requires: 1) Letting youth self-identify; 2) incorporating diversity and inclusion; 3) providing accommodations, recognition, and compensation; 4) language considerations; 5) offering ABM training and resources for creating art; 6) using virtual platforms youth use; 7) being mindful of ethical considerations and technology fatigue; 8) addressing barriers in accessing and using technology; 9) providing choice in type of ABM and research methods used; and 10) providing options for communicating during research activities and for engaging in research outside of allotted time (e.g., email, group chat). These research-informed guidelines can be useful for conducting youth MH research and other youth research in online environments.