Interviewers' notes about interviewing young people
You will only be interviewing children about mental health problems
when they are aged at least eleven. Although some young people will
be reluctant to talk with you, you will probably be surprised by how
well they respond to your interest and attention. It is not often that
most children get 1-to-1 attention from an adult who is interested in
them and how they feel. Even if they tell you about distressing symptoms
or problems in their life, they are very likely to feel better for
having told you. Just being listened to may have been helpful to them,
and if they do need professional help, they are more likely to seek it
after they have had the experience of telling you without being
criticised, ridiculed or ignored.
<< Previous Next >>
Last modified : 05/09/09