Friendship as anchoring and spaciousness – an interpretative phenomenological analysis of experiences with friendship among young people in Youth FACT

Friendship is vital in young people’s lives, shaping their sense of belonging, identity, and well-being. Despite the central role of friendship in youth, its significance for recovery in mental health remains underexplored. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore experiences with friendship among young people receiving healthcare services from Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT), which provides recovery-oriented and comprehensive services for young people with mental health and/or substance use problems. 10 young people (aged 16–20 years) receiving Youth FACT services participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings contribute new knowledge by illuminating how friendship among youth in Youth FACT is experienced as both anchoring and spaciousness. Together, these dimensions highlight how friendship can provide stability, safety, and togetherness, while also offering opportunities for autonomy, growth, and authenticity. Such friendship experiences may play an important role in young people’s recovery.