Shared Reading Among Young People Affected by War: Assessing Its Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being

Shared reading is a proven social work practice that supports mental health and well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations. However, studies of shared reading have been carried out in peacetime in developed countries (such as Denmark, United Kingdom). Based on this existing evidence, this paper asks whether the effect of shared reading may be even higher in the context of war. Furthermore, shared reading in Ukraine may have additional importance at a time when mastering of democracy and inter-social dialogue (as an alternative to the post-Soviet tradition) carries particular social importance to Eastern Europe. This study aims to explore the challenges, strengths, barriers, and opportunities associated with shared reading among Ukrainian young people affected by the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. Using qualitative evaluation methods, including observations and focus group discussions, this paper examines how shared reading influences the mental health and well-being of young participants during wartime. The study also highlights the accessibility and affordability of shared reading for both online and in-person activities, as well as young readers’ motivations, goals, preferences, and choices when engaging with books that tackle complex and mature themes, such as war experiences. By assessing the impact of shared reading on young people's mental health during the war, the findings aim to support the dissemination of this practice within local communities in Ukraine and abroad. Furthermore, the results offer insights into the integration of shared reading into educational, social, and youth policies.