Mental health in young women and the construction of their wellbeing: a case series study

Abstract

To understand young women's experience of mental health and its implications for well-being. Materials and methods: Qualitative research using a multiple case study. The study population consisted of purposively sampled young women, obtaining the participation of four informants. The in-depth interview was used to collect information, which was subsequently analyzed through content review. All stages of the research adhered to the stipulations of the regulations of the General Health Law on Health Research, Mexico. Results: Four units of meaning emerged from the analysis: i) traumatic emotional experiences; ii) mental health alterations; iii) coping strategies and mechanisms; and iv) wellbeing under construction. Conclusions: The alterations presented by the young women have significant implications on their well-being and affect their quality of life. Therefore, mental health should be understood from their gender role and self-imposed social expectations that influence well-being.