EMPOWERING ADOLESCENTS IN FAMILY TRANSITIONS: A DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGY

This study explores the development and validation of a digital media solution designed to support adolescents in Switzerland facing mental health challenges due to parental separation and divorce. With the rising prevalence of mental health issues among youth, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a notable gap in accessible mental health services, this research employs the Design Science Research methodology to create a concept for a mobile application tailored to the unique needs of adolescents aged 15-21. The app integrates features like immediate access to support, personalized coping strategies, interactive elements for peer engagement, and the creation of trust figures in the form of avatars, aiming to address the adolescents' need for accessibility, personalization, privacy, and engagement. Validation through focus groups highlighted the app's success in meeting adolescents' requirements for accessibility, personalization, and privacy, while also revealing the need for further adaptation and exploration in future iterations. The study contributes to understanding how digital platforms can offer more effective, engaging, and empathetic mental health support for adolescents, suggesting a significant step forward in bridging the current service gap.