Author(s)

Mami Kasahara-Kiritani^*, Fumitaka Masuda, Ayaka Ishii

Light Ring (Nonprofit Organization), Tokyo, Japan.

We evaluated the development of a social support educational program on future supporters. The intervention trained youths in their 20s and 30s who are providing or will provide social support to mentally vulnerable youths. We conducted brief interviews with 69 participants, analyzing data through content analysis. Most participants found the program useful in terms of meeting new peers, gaining new techniques for supporting others, relaxing through meeting peers, and assuring their competence to support others. There were concepts that participants developed, but were not aware of until the program concluded. To accomplish its goals, more effective publicity is necessary.

Social Support, Task Shifting, Youth, Helper Theory

Kasahara-Kiritani, M. , Masuda, F. and Ishii, A. (2015) Qualitative Process Evaluation of a Social Support Educational Program for Youths. Health, 7, 390-396. doi: 10.4236/health.2015.73044.