Topic 1 Definition of Diversity and its Impact on Mental Health Outcomes for Teenagers
The concept of diversity encompasses a broad spectrum of human attributes, lived encounters, and individual identities, all contributing to the distinctiveness of each individual. This concept incorporates variations in racial and ethnic backgrounds, cultural practices, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, social standings, and various other factors. The influence of variety in mounding the experiences and results of teenagers is of utmost importance in the context of mental health.
Research has consistently shown that diverse teenagers often face unique challenges and stressors that significantly impact their mental well-being. For example, adolescents belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups frequently experience discrimination, prejudice, and systemic inequalities that can contribute to increased stress levels and mental health issues. Similarly, LGBTQ+ teenagers often face higher rates of bullying, stigma, and rejection, which can have a detrimental effect on their mental health.
On the other hand, the same book notes that “the parent who permits a child to get whatever he/she wants by threatening or actually throwing a temper tantrum probably will develop a child with little or no emotional control, and with little or no respect for parental authority” (ibid.). The conclusion that derives from this passage is that the absence of boundaries can result in emotional immaturity and disobedience. Failing to address issues of mental health throughout a child’s upbringing and neglecting to promote a child’s wellbeing can result in the child having to deal with anxiety later in their life. Anxiety represents one of the “commonest neurotic symptoms” and can be characterised as “a state of continuous fear” (id., 219). Anxiety should not be confused with ‘normal fear’ as it mainly refers to “neurotic fear”. Anxiety is “a symptom of repressed emotional excitement” (id., 22). The family can play a critical role in the possibility of a child developing anxiety in their life.
