Understanding Youth Anxiety: A Pathway to Better Practice
As practitioners dedicated to improving the mental health of children and adolescents, understanding the nuances of anxiety disorders is crucial. The qualitative study titled The experience of the self in Canadian youth living with anxiety: A qualitative study provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of Canadian youth with anxiety. This research, conducted using hermeneutic phenomenology, offers a deep dive into how anxiety affects the self-concept of young individuals.
Key Findings: The Fractured Self
The study revealed that youth with anxiety often experience a "fractured self," characterized by a sense of being broken or incomplete. This internal struggle leads to self-scrutiny and a lack of self-compassion. Practitioners can use this understanding to develop interventions that focus on rebuilding a positive self-concept and fostering self-compassion in youth.
Balancing Self and Others
Youth with anxiety often feel a profound responsibility for others, which can lead to neglecting their own needs. This finding suggests the importance of teaching young people how to balance caring for others with self-care. Practitioners should encourage youth to explore what it means to be-there-for-oneself and provide tools for self-reflection and self-care.
Creating Safe Spaces for Expression
The research highlights the need for safe spaces where youth can share their experiences without fear of stigmatization. Practitioners should facilitate group sessions or peer support networks where youth can connect with others who have similar experiences. This can promote healing and reduce the sense of isolation often felt by those with anxiety.
Encouraging Self-Discovery
Youth in the study showed a genuine interest in self-discovery. Practitioners can support this by providing opportunities for self-exploration through activities like journaling, art, or guided self-reflection exercises. Encouraging youth to understand and accept anxiety as part of their self can lead to greater psychological well-being.
Implications for Practitioners
This research underscores the importance of addressing the self-concept in therapeutic interventions for youth with anxiety. By focusing on the themes of self-compassion, self-care, and self-discovery, practitioners can help youth navigate their anxiety and build a more resilient sense of self.
For practitioners looking to enhance their skills and understanding of youth anxiety, further exploration of this study is encouraged. Engaging with the research can provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by youth and inform more effective therapeutic approaches.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The experience of the self in Canadian youth living with anxiety: A qualitative study.
