6 Summary of Session 4

The main learning points of this session are:

• Social, psychological and biomedical perspectives can help practitioners to make sense of mental health problems. Determinants of mental health extend from aspects of the person that cannot be changed through to their behaviours, social networks, and wider characteristics of the communities where they live.

• Professionals who work in the mental health field can take contrasting approaches to their work, and this can create the potential for conflict. Mostly, however, they are keen to combine their skills productively to help the young person.

• Social media form a significant aspect of the friendship networks and wider communities for many young people. Social media can sometimes distort how young people view themselves through contagion and social comparisons using images and misinformation.

You are now halfway through the course. The Open University would really appreciate your feedback and suggestions for future improvement in our optional end-of-course survey [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] , which you will also have an opportunity to complete at the end of Session 8. Participation will be completely confidential and we will not pass on your details to others.

Now to go Session 5.