Adaptive leadership in the promotion of youth mental health

The aim of this paper is to discuss if adaptive leadership in the promotion of youth mental health can be one driver of cultural change not only among mental health workers and patients, but also in the society as a whole, including different sectors such as health, social service, justice, and education. I present a qualitative approach both to categorise leadership practice in Europe in traditional and adaptive styles and to understand if adaptive leadership is more effective than traditional leadership in the promotion of child and youth mental health. The attempt to increase social inclusion of people with mental health problems has posed a posed significant challenges in Europe, particularly in giving priority to services for children, adolescents, and older people. Stigma appears to continue to be a significant barrier to the effective promotion of mental health. In many European countries, there is lack of political will to implement evidence-based, sustainable policies and programs concerning mental health issues. The potential practical implications for the adaptive leadership approach are significant, considering the increasing mental health issues in Europe and worldwide.