The issue I’ve chosen to explore is the growing mental health crisis among teenagers, particularly anxiety and depression. I became interested in this issue after volunteering with a local youth program and realizing how many teens were quietly struggling without adequate support or access to care. Social media, academic pressure, and family issues all seemed to contribute to their stress, but there weren’t many resources available to help them cope.
Stakeholders in this study would include teenagers, school counselors, parents, mental health professionals, and community organizations that work with youth. I plan to involve them through anonymous surveys, interviews, and collaboration with local schools or youth centers to gain insight into the challenges teens face and the support systems available to them.
My proposed research question is: What are the main contributors to anxiety and depression in teenagers, and how can community-based interventions be improved to better support their mental health? I plan to use a qualitative approach with interviews and thematic analysis, paired with a short survey to identify trends and gaps in current support strategies. This research would help inform future programs that are more accessible and youth-friendly.
INSTRUCTIONS ATTACHED IN DOCUMENTS