Youth mental health has worsened significantly over the past decade, but new interventions that teach positive psychology concepts in school may help.
American young people are reporting historically high levels of hopelessness, sadness and loneliness. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20% of adolescents have seriously considered suicide – and suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 10-14.
Perhaps even more alarming than the prevalence of youth mental health problems is the inaccessibility of mental health support for the many children who need it. About 60% of depressed adolescents do not receive any treatment – and around 950,000 children do not have health insurance that covers mental health services.
Assistant Professor of School Psychology Kai Zhuang Shum shared her research on positive psychology and its benefits when taught in schools. Read more at The Conversation.
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Contact:
Cindi King (865-974-0937, cking126@utk.edu)