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Findings:
Collectively the seventeen studies reviewed within this narrative synthesis have
identified several key themes. This review has identified key familial
characteristics and discusses the strengths, limitations, and complexities of the
family environment, citing the negative and/or positive impact it may have on
C&YP's mental health.
Discussion and relevance:
Family wellbeing and its effect on C&YP's mental health has been the
overarching theme. This was characterised into 4 prominent themes with some
containing subthemes:
1. Family Cohesion/mutuality, Accommodation & Conflict.
2. Family Functioning & Resilience - Family Communication, Parental
Symptomology.
3. Adversities, Socio-Economic & Cultural Factors - Poverty, Negative Life
Events, Culture.
4. Recommended Identified Outcomes & Approach - Collaborative working,
Whole Family Approach.
Conclusions and suggestion for practice:
Collectively the research reviewed heightens awareness to the strengths,
limitations, and complexities of the family environment and the positive or
negative effect it may have on C&YP's mental health. This work is especially
relevant as NI has one of the highest prevalence of mental health difficulties
throughout the UK (OSR, 2021, DoH, 2021, Bunting et al, 2022, Irvine, 2022).
This review has been methodically completed with limitations noted and has
highlighted the need for further research. The findings from this review add
value, provide insight and perspective on several key areas including
communication, culture, and other adversities. The findings should be used to
influence practice approaches that encompass the whole family unit when