The Swiss Youth Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Survey: Study methodology, survey questions/vignettes, and lessons learned

Abstract

Background and objectives: Mental health literacy and stigma towards mentally ill people have hitherto mainly been studied in relation to depression and schizophrenia and in adult samples. The Swiss Youth Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Survey (SYMHLSS) was planned and carried out to address these gaps. The aims of this article are to (1) outline and reflect on the methodology of the SYMHLSS in order to build a sound methodological foundation for preparing and conducting similar future surveys; and (2) advance school-based survey methods more generally. Methods: The Australian National Survey of Youth Mental Health Literacy and Stigma (telephone survey) served as basis for the Swiss survey..