Online interventions for young people with parents experiencing mental illness or substance use challenges: a systematic review

Abstract Young people with a parent who has a mental health or substance use challenge are at risk of acquiring their own mental health issues. Online interventions present a potentially accessible, effective form of support for this group of young people. The aim of this systematic review was to describe the characteristics of online interventions designed for this cohort, identify change mechanisms, and evaluate their impact. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Search terms, related to online interventions, children, and parental mental illness or substance use, were used across five databases. Every abstract was screened by two authors. Data were extracted by one author and checked by another. Identified studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, with data synthesised using a narrative synthesis approach. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Six studies evaluating four interventions were identified, primarily focusing on prevention and targeting young people aged 12–25. Interventions promoted change through the provision of psychoeducation, anonymity, and peer support. Outcomes across mental health, help seeking and coping varied. Limitations included low participant completion rates, lack of generalisability, and selection bias. There is a need to better articulate theoretical frameworks, increase male participation, and extend reach to those experiencing mental illness or distress when developing online interventions for young people whose parents have mental health or substance use challenges.