Adolescents living in lodgings, mental health and wellbeing

Background: Studies have shown that high school students living in lodgings are vulnerable to stress and mental health problems. Moving out from home to live in lodgings at the age of 15 to 18 is a transition in life that might affect adolescents’ wellbeing, with possible consequences as dropping out of school and/or longer lasting mental health problems. The aim of this study is to contribute to health promotion among adolescents living in lodgings to increase their wellbeing and prevent mental health problems during this changing time in their lives. The methods used are both quantitative and qualitative. Two Norwegian surveys from 1997 and 2000 with 8113 participants were analysed regarding high school students living in lodgings and mental health. In 2008 and 2016, 11 and 10 qualitative interviews was performed, respectively, among adolescents at the age of 15 to 18 living in lodgings. The interviews has both a narrative and a semi-structured part, adolescents telling about their experiences with different aspects of living in lodgings. These data will be analysed during the next month’s using phenomenological hermeneutical method. Results: Students living in lodgings had higher scores on internalizing problems than students living at home, significant only for females. Adolescents of both genders living in lodgings had significantly higher scores on problem behavior than adolescents living at home. Conclusion: Adolescents living in lodgings are vulnerable regarding mental health. Their stories and experience will give a valuable insight in their lives and what is important for their wellbeing. Implications will be discussed regarding health promotion to increase and support the wellbeing of adolescents living in lodgings during changing times in their lives.