Stakeholder perspectives on youth mental health drivers and engagement in Morocco: A qualitative study

Stakeholder perspectives on youth mental health drivers and engagement in Morocco: A qualitative study | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 28 May 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Stakeholder perspectives on youth mental health drivers and engagement in Morocco: A qualitative study Authors : Imane Bensouda Korachi 0000-0002-1787-8157 , Oumnia Bouaddi 0000-0001-9114-6889 , Saad Uakkas , Hafida CHARAKA , Adam Chati , Omar Bouram , and Mohamed KHALIS [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174841756.60372631/v1 205 views 88 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Introduction: Youth in Morocco face multiple mental health challenges, yet limited evidence exists on what drives their well-being. This study aims to qualitatively explore the key factors influencing youth mental health in Morocco through youth and stakeholder perspectives, and to understand the level of youth engagement in mental health, and its barriers and enablers. Methods: We conducted a qualitative exploratory study using semi-structured interviews with key informants from various stakeholder groups involved in youth mental health. The study focused on three main areas: the drivers of youth mental health and well-being in Morocco, the level of youth engagement in mental health, and its barriers and enablers. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, and a causal loop diagram was developed to explore the interrelationships between the drivers. Results: We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions with 65 participants, including youth representatives, parents, and policymakers. Findings revealed that youth well-being is shaped by individual, familial, social, and structural factors. Participants emphasized the role of positive parenting and mental health awareness in promoting well-being. Educational spaces were identified as key sites of stress due to violence, bullying, and lack of support. Social media was identified as both a source of support and a driver of anxiety and low self-esteem, providing access to help while also fostering social comparison and self-isolation. Stakeholders acknowledged that youth engagement in mental health initiatives was increasing. However, youth participation in formal decision-making and policy processes remained limited. Barriers included a lack of structured participation pathways, and persistent power dynamics, whereas facilitators included capacity-building and ensuring meaningful, non-tokenistic engagement. Conclusions: Youth mental health policies and programs in Morocco must reflect young people’s lived experiences. Meaningful youth engagement is essential to building advocacy, skills, and ownership of mental well-being, and ultimately improving mental health outcomes for Moroccan youth. Supplementary Material File (ymh_draft_final_may.docx) Download 404.26 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 28 May 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords mental health interventions youth engagement youth mental health Authors Affiliations Imane Bensouda Korachi 0000-0002-1787-8157 Universite Moulay Ismail Faculte des Sciences View all articles by this author Oumnia Bouaddi 0000-0001-9114-6889 Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation View all articles by this author Saad Uakkas Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation View all articles by this author Hafida CHARAKA Gouvernement du Royaume du Maroc Ministere de la Sante View all articles by this author Adam Chati Universite Hassan II Casablanca Faculte des Sciences Juridiques Economiques et Sociales Mohammedia View all articles by this author Omar Bouram Gouvernement du Royaume du Maroc Ministere de la Sante View all articles by this author Mohamed KHALIS [email protected] Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 205 views 88 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Imane Bensouda Korachi, Oumnia Bouaddi, Saad Uakkas, et al. Stakeholder perspectives on youth mental health drivers and engagement in Morocco: A qualitative study. Authorea . 28 May 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174841756.60372631/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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