Mental health and Wellbeing Focus Groups with Year 12 students from two English state schools – interview transcripts – User Guide

Persistent identifier

10.17037/DATA.00004909

Description

Research data collected as part of a project to explore the meaning of good mental health and wellbeing among young people, as well as their understanding of mental health difficulties. The discussions covered various mental health models, with a particular focus on the dual-factor (two-continua) model. Data was gathered through six semi-structured focus groups - three in a Midlands town school and three in a Southern city school. These sessions captured the views of 23 students in total, all aged 16 to 17 years (Year 12). The research data consists of anonymised transcripts and photographs of posters produced by the students during the discussions.

Data collection methods

Data collection took place via 6 semi-structured focus groups (3 in each school) with 2-6 participants in each group. Semi-structured and participatory interview techniques were used following the focus group topic guide. Clear ground rules were outlined at the beginning of each session, followed by an ice-breaker activity unrelated to mental health. Activities and task-based approaches were used, including the production of posters summarising students’ views. Focus groups were conducted in person, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Convenience sampling was used to recruit schools via email. Recruitment materials including emails and posters were provided to schools and interested Year-12 students were asked to complete a signup form to take part.

Data analysis and preparation

Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim with the assistance of an AI transcriber (Zoom 2025 AI transcriber). Interview transcripts were reviewed and amended for accuracy. Transcripts were anonymised, with names replaced by respondent ID and other potentially identifiable information for schools or students removed (indicated by square brackets). The posters produced by students were photographed and are included in the dataset.

Geographic regions

• A state school in a Midlands town, England.
• A state school in a Southern city, England.

Key dates

• Data collection: 12th June 2025 – 2nd July 2025
• Finalised transcripts produced: 1st December 2025

Quality controls

Once transcribed interview transcripts were checked twice against the original audio recordings for accuracy immediately following transcription (July 2025), a final check was performed in late November 2025. All checks performed by data collector, Charlotte Soldan.

Population

16-to-17-yr old students (Year 12) attending the two schools recruited, one in a Midlands town and one in a Southern city.

Privacy

Dataset fully anonymised with any potentially identifiable information for schools or students removed. Schools identified by general geographical location only.

Ethics

Keywords

Adolescent health, Mental health, Wellbeing.

Language of written material

English

Project information

Creators

Associated roles

File description

The focus group archive contains the following files.