Socialarbetares perspektiv på barns psykiska ohälsa

Sammanfattning: The purpose of the study is to investigate social workers' perspectives on and experiences of mental illness among children aged 0 - 12. The study is based on a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The theoretical perspectives are attachment theory and mentalization. Results and analysis are presented thematically with anchoring in relevant theory and research to interpret and analyze the empirical evidence. The interviewees experience an increase in mental illness among young people, and that much depends on one's social background, and socio-economic situation, but mainly on what type of connection one has to a relative. Growing up with a parent who may suffer from mental illness, have a lack of mentalizing ability, a genetic vulnerability, as well as a lack of home conditions, are also significant influencing factors. Based on empirical evidence, the social workers' experiences testify that societal factors play an extremely large role in the families' conditions to be able to provide for the child's well-being.