SOCIAL SUPPORT IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD: CO-DEVELOPMENT OF THE MY WORLD GAME

Social networks are important for child mental health but have been under-researched in middle childhood. In three linked studies, we co-developed the My World Game (MG) with relevant users and conducted preliminary validation. MG aims to explore the social worlds of children aged 5-12. Although usable with any child, it is designed with children who have complex social networks, such as those in care, in mind. In study 1, we conducted user testing of an MG prototype. Questionnaires with parents and interviews with children found the child’s perception of their social network differed from their parent’s, emphasising the importance of the child’s voice. In study 2, an online version of MG was coproduced with care-experienced young people and research nurses in online and face-to-face workshops. Transcripts of the first 12 baseline MG interviews with children participating in a UK randomised controlled trial were thematically analysed. This facilitated development of a quantitative rating scale with seven domains rated 1 (low) to 5 (high): Engagement (in the social network); Feeling Understood; Consistency (in personal relationships); Rich Connections; sense of Ownership (of people and places in the social network); Hierarchical Attachments and Confidence and Clarity (in describing the social network). In study 3, the rating scale was refined through further co-production to ensure adequate content validity. Analysis of 28 double-rated MG interviews established inter-rater reliability. Finally, we developed a support manual and standard operating procedures for MG use in future studies.