Reflective support for young people outside education and work: A case study of On the Inside
1
1. School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
2
2. Skaraborgs Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2601
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Young people who are not in education or employment represent a population at increased risk of poor mental health due to psychosocial and structural factors. In Sweden, municipalities have a statutory responsibility to identify and support these young people through targeted interventions. Interactive program On the Inside (1) has been implemented within the municipality’s activity responsibility as a preventive, reflective intervention aimed at enhancing mental wellbeing, self-understanding, and personal agency. However, little is known about how the intervention functions for young people outside education and employment from a public health perspective. This study aimed to explore what worked, and why it worked, during the implementation of On the Inside within the municipality’s activity responsibility.
METHODS:
The study employed a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with young participants enrolled in the municipality’s activity responsibility and with staff delivering the intervention. Supplementary data included intervention materials and implementation documentation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, focusing on perceived mechanisms of change and contextual factors influencing engagement.
RESULTS:
Analysis indicated that relational trust, flexibility, and meaningful self-reflection were central to the intervention’s perceived effectiveness. The individual, non-judgmental approach facilitated engagement and reduced resistance to support. The emphasis on internal processes of change, rather than immediate educational or labour market outcomes, was perceived as strengthening mental wellbeing and readiness for change.
CONCLUSIONS:
On the Inside appears to function as a health-promoting intervention by addressing psychosocial determinants of mental well-being and enhancing young people’s personal agency. These findings may inform the development of more equitable and context-sensitive public health strategies for young people at risk of long-term social exclusion.
Young people who are not in education or employment represent a population at increased risk of poor mental health due to psychosocial and structural factors. In Sweden, municipalities have a statutory responsibility to identify and support these young people through targeted interventions. Interactive program On the Inside (1) has been implemented within the municipality’s activity responsibility as a preventive, reflective intervention aimed at enhancing mental wellbeing, self-understanding, and personal agency. However, little is known about how the intervention functions for young people outside education and employment from a public health perspective. This study aimed to explore what worked, and why it worked, during the implementation of On the Inside within the municipality’s activity responsibility.
METHODS:
The study employed a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with young participants enrolled in the municipality’s activity responsibility and with staff delivering the intervention. Supplementary data included intervention materials and implementation documentation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, focusing on perceived mechanisms of change and contextual factors influencing engagement.
RESULTS:
Analysis indicated that relational trust, flexibility, and meaningful self-reflection were central to the intervention’s perceived effectiveness. The individual, non-judgmental approach facilitated engagement and reduced resistance to support. The emphasis on internal processes of change, rather than immediate educational or labour market outcomes, was perceived as strengthening mental wellbeing and readiness for change.
CONCLUSIONS:
On the Inside appears to function as a health-promoting intervention by addressing psychosocial determinants of mental well-being and enhancing young people’s personal agency. These findings may inform the development of more equitable and context-sensitive public health strategies for young people at risk of long-term social exclusion.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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