Introduction
This essay explores the humanistic theory and its application to a report on the current mental health crisis among teenagers. The article titled “What Students are Saying about the C.D.C Report on Teen Sadness” discussed the results of a Youth Risk Behaviour Survey. It revealed that girls were more likely to experience feelings of sadness and that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth encounter more significant levels of depression and suicidal thoughts. To address teenage psychological issues, the humanistic paradigm strongly emphasizes individual accountability, comprehending underlying issues, and giving access to treatment and counseling facilities.
Background of the Article “What Students Are Saying About the C.D.C Report on Teen Sadness”
The article analyzed the reviews provided by teenagers on hopelessness and sadness. A Youth Risk Behaviour Survey was undertaken, which revealed that girls were more depressed than boys. The survey results showed that out of every five girls, three experienced unending sadness, and one in every three considered suicide as an option to end their troubles (What students are saying about the C.D.C. report on Teen sadness, 2023).
However, the highest levels were noted in the LGBTQ teens, who reported the highest frequencies of suicidal behaviors, aggression, and depression. Many youths reported struggling with mental problems and were hopeful for a profound solution to be established quickly (What students say about the C.D.C. report on Teen sadness, 2023). Young people have been raising alarms for severe mental concerns, but the adults have not listened (What students say about the C.D.C. report on Teen sadness, 2023). Parents and school administrators were reported to fail to provide opportunities for teenagers to share their experiences, which led them to the various mental concerns they faced.
Various reports from different teens were presented in the article to show their responses to the survey. For instance, Rebeca reported being ignored during the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt all locked up and had her sanity stripped from her since she could not have a physical or social life, and no one talked to her about it (What students are saying about the C.D.C. report on Teen sadness, 2023). Lauren added that she would be shut down from her friends once her screen time was stopped through a passcode that prevented her from accessing her phone (What students are saying about the C.D.C. report on Teen sadness, 2023).
Although parents had proper intentions of preventing online addiction in their children, they barely dealt with how they felt, primarily when they could not communicate with their peers. Sam, a teen in the LGBTQ+ group, spoke of experiencing depression, mainly because they are young (What students are saying about the C.D.C. report on Teen sadness, 2023). In all these cases, having adults and responsible institutions listen to teenagers can lower the levels of mental issues they face.
Application of Theory to Teen Sadness Event
Humanistic Theory
The humanistic view of abnormal traits strongly emphasizes comprehending the person’s inner journey and personal development. This theory strongly emphasizes the value of personal responsibility and choice and the notion that people can choose what to do and act to better their lives (Muhajirah, 2020). According to this view, a person’s behavior is influenced by their values, goals, and beliefs.
It also emphasizes how to better the person’s mental health by comprehending the underlying causes of behavior and how to treat them (Lestari et al., 2019). According to this view, psychological disorders arise due to unresolved problems and conflicts in a person’s life. This approach states that treatment aims to assist the patient in identifying and resolving the problems that upset them (Lestari et al., 2019). Counseling, psychotherapy, and other psychosocial therapies can be used to achieve this.
Application of the Humanistic Theory to the Event
The events covered in the article and the summary above can be analyzed in numerous ways using the humanistic theory of aberrant behavior. First, it’s critical to comprehend the fundamental reasons behind the young people’s actions in the text (Cooper et al., 2021). According to the story, many teenagers admitted to having mental health problems and expressed optimism that a lasting solution would be discovered soon. This shows that these kids’ lives may contain unresolved concerns that upset them and motivate behaviors like despair and suicidal thoughts (Cooper et al., 2021). It is critical to address these issues to assist kids in overcoming their mental health challenges.
The humanistic perspective also emphasizes the value of personal responsibility and choice. Many of the young people in the essay spoke of feeling isolated and unable to interact with their peers. Recognizing these teenagers’ options and giving them the tools to take charge of their own mental health and well-being are crucial if we are to assist them (Leung & Shek, 2020). Providing children with access to suitable counseling services or enabling them to share their emotions and experiences in a secure setting are two examples of how to do this.
Moreover, the humanistic view acknowledges that people’s behavior is influenced by their ideas, values, and motives. Understanding a teen’s values, motives, and beliefs is crucial to assisting them with mental health concerns (Hanley et al., 2019). Investigating their feelings of hopelessness or the potential benefits of suicide could be part of this. If these underlying problems are recognized, it is feasible to offer support and services to kids to assist them in managing their mental health challenges (Hanley et al., 2019). Finally, according to the humanistic perspective, psychological difficulties arise from unresolved conflicts and issues in the person’s life (Hanley et al., 2019). By doing this, it will be feasible to support youth in managing their mental health concerns.
Relevance of Theory to the Event
The humanistic theory is pertinent to the events in the article since it aims to comprehend the underlying factors that influence a person’s conduct and how these factors can be dealt with to enhance that person’s mental health. This theory is particularly relevant to the experiences of the adolescents covered in the article since it aims to comprehend why they are depressed and thinking of committing suicide (Gauvin-Lepage, 2019). In ten years, the humanistic theory and concept will still be relevant because young people will likely continue battling mental health issues.
To comprehend the fundamental reasons for mental health difficulties and to design therapies that can assist in managing them, it is crucial to keep using the humanistic theory of abnormal behavior (Chen & Liu, 2023). With the speed at which technology is evolving and the growing influence of social media in young people’s lives, this is especially crucial (Chen & Liu, 2023). It is crucial to comprehend how these elements can exacerbate mental health issues and to give teenagers the resources and help they require to take care of their mental health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the humanistic approach is essential for comprehending and managing young people’s mental health concerns. It is pertinent to the events covered in the article because it aids in our understanding of the root causes of teenagers’ mental health problems and helps us come up with remedies that can help manage their mental health. Since young people will continue to have mental health challenges and need awareness and support to manage them, it will also likely stay relevant in the future. People must understand the challenges kids experience and develop solutions to help them manage their mental health using the humanistic theory.
References
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Hanley, T., Winter, L. A., & Burrell, K. (2019). Supporting emotional well‐being in schools in the context of austerity: An ecologically informed Humanistic Perspective. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 90(1), 1–18. Web.
Lestari, S., Waluyo, H. J., & Wardani, N. E. (2019). Humanistic Psychology Study of Abraham Maslow on the main character in tiba Sebelum Berangkat novel by Faisal Oddang. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute (BIRCI-Journal) : Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(1). Web.
Leung, J. T., & Shek, D. T. (2020). Theories of adolescent development: Overview. The Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Development, 1–12. Web.
Muhajirah, M. (2020). Basic of learning theory. International Journal of Asian Education, 1(1), 37–42. Web.
The New York Times. (2023). What students are saying about the C.D.C. report on teen sadness. The New York Times. Web.