Describe the contemporary issue and explain what external stressors are associated with this issue.
- Outline assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient. Describe what additional assessment questions you would need to ask and define the ethical parameters regarding what you can and cannot share with the parent or guardian.
- Discuss support options for adolescents encountering external stressors. Include specific support options for the contemporary issue you presented.
Contemporary Issue: Mental Health and Social Media Usage in Adolescents
Description: The contemporary issue is the impact of excessive social media usage on the mental health of adolescents. Adolescents today are highly engaged with social media platforms, which can lead to various psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, body image issues, and low self-esteem.
External Stressors Associated with the Issue:
- Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Adolescents might experience bullying, harassment, or negative interactions on social media, causing emotional distress.
- Social Comparison: Continuous exposure to idealized images and lifestyles on social media can lead to unrealistic social comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Adolescents might experience anxiety and stress due to the fear of missing out on social events or trends depicted on social media.
- Digital Detox Challenges: Balancing real-life activities with online engagement might be difficult, leading to stress and potential withdrawal symptoms.
- Privacy Concerns: Adolescents may face stress related to privacy breaches, online predators, and the potential long-term consequences of their digital footprint.
Assessment Strategies:
- Self-Report Questionnaires: Administer standardized questionnaires like the Social Media Impact Scale to assess the frequency and emotional impact of social media usage.
- Open-Ended Interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews to understand the adolescent’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences related to social media.
- Observation: Observe the adolescent’s behavior, such as excessive phone use or changes in mood after using social media.
- Collateral Information: Gather information from teachers, peers, or family members to gain a comprehensive view of the adolescent’s behavior.
Additional Assessment Questions:
- Frequency and Duration: How often do you use social media, and for how long each day?
- Emotional Responses: How do you feel before, during, and after using social media?
- Cyberbullying: Have you ever experienced or witnessed cyberbullying on social media?
- Social Comparison: Do you ever feel pressured to meet the standards you see on social media?
- Offline Activities: How often do you engage in activities unrelated to screens or social media?
- Support System: Who do you talk to when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Ethical Parameters: Maintain confidentiality unless the adolescent’s safety is at risk or if there’s an immediate need for intervention. Inform the adolescent about the limits of confidentiality at the beginning of the assessment. Share information with parents or guardians only with the adolescent’s consent, except in cases where there is a concern for the adolescent’s well-being.
Support Options:
- Psychoeducation: Educate adolescents about healthy social media use and potential risks.
- Counseling: Offer individual or group therapy to address the psychological effects of excessive social media use.
- Parental Involvement: Educate parents about social media’s impact and involve them in setting boundaries.
- Digital Literacy Programs: Teach adolescents critical thinking skills to navigate online content.
- Social Skills Training: Help adolescents build offline social connections and communication skills.
- Online Support Groups: Provide virtual spaces for adolescents to share experiences and coping strategies.
Support Options for Cyberbullying:
- Reporting Mechanisms: Educate adolescents on how to report and block cyberbullies on social media platforms.
- Counseling: Offer therapy to help adolescents cope with the emotional toll of cyberbullying.
- Conflict Resolution Skills: Teach adolescents strategies to address online conflicts constructively.
- Peer Support: Encourage adolescents to reach out to friends or support groups for understanding and empathy.