Mental Health and Well-being in Middle and Late Adolescence

1. MENTAL HEALTH AND
WELL-BEING IN MIDDLE
AND LATE ADOLESCENCE
MODULE 1, QUARTER 2, 1ST SEMESTER
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
PREPARED BY: EDWARD NICOLE R. FRONIAS

2. Concepts of Mental Health and Well-Being
According to the US National Institute of Health,
“mental health includes our emotional, psychological,
and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel,
and act as we cope with life. It also helps to
determine how we handle stress, relate to others,
and make choices. Mental health is important at
every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence
through adulthood.”

3. Concepts of Mental Health and Well-Being
The 1999 US Surgeon General’s Report on Mental
Health defined mental health as “successful
performance of mental function, resulting in
productive activities, fulfilling relationships with
other people, and the ability to change and to cope
with adversity.”

4. Concepts of Mental Health and Well-Being
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Health Report
released in 2001 stated that “mental health is defined
differently by different experts from different cultures.
Concepts of mental health include the following:
1. subjective well-being; 6. self-actualization of one’s
2. perceived self-efficacy; intellectual and emotional
3. autonomy; potential, among others
4. competence;
5. intergenerational dependence

5. 1. Subjective Well-Being
◦ This may defined as one’s personal (subjective) thoughts and feelings
about one’s overall state of being. Mental health denotes positive and
healthy interpretations of a person’s self-concept, and how a person feels
about himself.
◦ Good mental health is tied to the individual’s self-concept and
emotions about him. A persons with a healthy self-concept or self-
identity exudes charm and confidence, is usually sociable, productive and
can maintain healthy relationships. A positive warm regard
for oneself serves as a foundation of mental health

6. 1. Subjective Well-Being
◦ A negative self-concept will have a negative effect on
one’s mental health and well-being. For example, if a
persons perceives herself as unattractive, she will start
feeling inadequate and will compare herself with others.
She will feel anxious, and might even end up having
paranoid thoughts that people are avoiding her or talking
behind her back.

7. 1. Subjective Well-Being
The anxiety and unhappiness this person experiences will
then affect her behavior such as having fits of anger, lost of
interest in her studies, shunning away from people, and
ending up alone and miserable. These type of thinking,
feeling and behavior can trigger mental disorders, if not
properly addressed, immediately .

8. 2. Perceived Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy is one’s perception of one’s value and
worth, effectiveness, and ability in performing a task or
activity. Mental health and well-being is also anchored on
one’s self-worth and value of self-esteem. A person with
low self-esteem may exhibit types of behavior that are self-
destructive or self-sabotaging

9. 2. Perceived Self-Efficacy
A person with low self-esteem may exhibit types of
behavior that are self-destructive or self-sabotaging. Low
self-esteem produces thought that say one is not worthy of
being loved or not adequate enough to be somebody’s
friend. This thought then produces emotions such as anger
or hopelessness, pushing the person to certain risky
behavior like drug or alcohol addiction, sexual promiscuity,
social isolation, extreme emotional swings, unhealthy
dependency on others, and mental disorder.

10. 2. Perceived Self-Efficacy
On the other hand, a person with a healthy self-concept will
move toward self-fulfillment and self-actualization, have
healthy relationships, and live happier and fulfilling lives.

11. 3. Autonomy
Autonomy deals with one’s capacity to separate
one’s identity from other significant person like parents,
lovers, and special friends. Autonomy is the capacity for
self-direction and having a clearly defined role identity. It
is crucial to have autonomy since this defines how a
person interacts with other people and the environment.

12. 3. Autonomy
Expectations are clarified and adjusted according to
the role an individual takes, and this can result in better
appreciation of the individual in terms of relationships
either at work, at play, or with the family.

13. 3. Autonomy
Lack of autonomy, on the other hand, can lead to co-
dependence among those who cannot define themselves as
separate entities from people they depend on either
emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually, or even
financially. This can also lead to relational conflicts as some
people stay away from overly dependent or “clingy, needy”
individuals.

14. 4. Competence
Competence is related to self-esteem and self-
identity. Competence is the perception of one’s capacity to
effectively perform a function or activity using specific skills
and knowledge, and achieving the desired results at a given
time. Responsibility is a major underlying factor for
competence.

15. 4. Competence
An individual who is competent will always assume
full responsibility for the actions and results of his behavior.
Because competence is gained through time, a competent
individual produces trust with those he or she deals with.

16. 4. Competence
The ability to accept changes and being resilient is
also part of being competent. A competent person will
adapt to the changes that can happen while he is in the
thick of things, understand why such changes happen, and
will adjust his actions and attitude according to the new
demands that those changes bring.

17. 5. Intergenerational Independence
intergenerational Independence refers to the
relationships between individuals who belong to the
different generations but may be living separately as
independent, autonomous persons during a specific period
of time. An example of this which is very common among
Filipinos is the relationship between parents and their
grown-up children. When the children have all grown-up,
are pursuing their own dreams, and are forming their own
“nests,” their parents, who may already be retired by then,
are usually left at home.

18. 5. Intergenerational Independence
This phenomenon is referred to s the “empty nest.”
However, with healthy relationships between family
members, older parents will often be visited by their
children (and grandchildren) during weekends or during
special occasions to celebrate and be in touch.
Cultural differences will have different variations of
how the members of society practice intergenerational
independence.

19. 5. Intergenerational Independence
In the USA, sending old parents to retirement
homes is still practiced. However, there is also a trend today
of children providing care to their ageing parents while
maintaining their own independence.
Today’s technology has helped intergenerational
independence thrive as it closes the gap of time and space
so that even physically separated family members can still
be in touch easily. This is true particularly among Filipino
households that have members working abroad.
CHAPTER 8: CONCEPTS OF MENTAL HEALTH and WELL-BEING

20. 6. Self-actualization of One’s
Intellectual and Emotional Potential
Maslow’s pyramid of human hierarchy of needs places
self-actualization at the peak. This means that once a person
fulfills his or her physiological needs, security and safety
needs, emotional and social needs, and self-esteem needs,
the next need to be fulfilled is self-actualization.
CHAPTER 8: CONCEPTS OF MENTAL HEALTH and WELL-BEING

21. 6. Self-actualization of One’s
Intellectual and Emotional Potential
The fulfillment of these needs does not have to be in
sequence or progression. One person’s need for love may be
stronger than the need for security. Self-actualization is
about fulfilling one’s potentials, becoming the person that
one has always aspired for.
CHAPTER 8: CONCEPTS OF MENTAL HEALTH and WELL-BEING

22. 6. Self-actualization of One’s
Intellectual and Emotional Potential
Maslow identified the key characteristic of self-
actualized individuals. They have acceptance of their reality,
and have compassion to help solve problems of other
people and society in general. Their spontaneous with their
thoughts and behavior, and are open to change. They have
strong need for privacy and solitude as they continue to
strive in fulfilling their potentials.

23. 6. Self-actualization of One’s
Intellectual and Emotional Potential
They are highly appreciative of events and people and
maintain their awe wonder of the things around them. They
may often experience peak experiences of intense joy and
happiness which generate inspiration and strength.
Individual who are self-actualizing nurture good mental
health and well being.

24. Another example of mental health and well-being model we
can look into is the one developed in 1991 by Witmer
Sweeney. The model includes what is referred to as the five
life tasks:
1. Essence or spirituality
2. Work and leisure
3. Friendship
4. Love
5. Self-direction

25. Related to these five tasks are twelve sub-tasks as major
components of wellness or well-being that comprise the
Wheel of Wellness espoused by Myers, Witmer, and
Sweeney in 2000.
1. Sense of worth
2. Sense of control
3. Realistic beliefs
4. Emotional awareness and coping
5. Problem solving and creativity

26. Related to these five tasks are twelve sub-tasks as major
components of wellness or well-being that comprise the
Wheel of Wellness espoused by Myers, Witmer, and
Sweeney in 2000.
6. Sense of humor 11. gender identity
7. Nutrition 12. cultural identity
8. Physical exercise
9. self-care
10. Stress management

27. In addition to the five components, maintaining good
mental health and well-being requires resiliency and
adaptability, two important skills that need to be developed
in every person particularly the adolescent.
Resiliency – the capacity to establish and maintain one’s
balance and well-being in the face of adversity. It is the
ability to get back on one’s feet after a disaster or a crisis.
Adaptability – is the capacity to adjust to changes
necessary for one’s survival and balance.

28. Having a positive regard for oneself means
looking at oneself as someone who is worth loving and
worth caring for, regardless of physical flaws and
defects, regardless of what other people perceive him
to be, and in spite of the thoughts, feelings, and
behavior on experiences. It is about understanding and
accepting one’s personality, uniqueness, and
individuality.
Healthy Self-Concept at the Core of Mental
Health and Well-Being

29. The World Health Organization clearly noted that the
poor mental health plays a significant role in diminished
immune functioning and the development of certain
illness, and eventually premature death.
Good Physical Health is Good for Mental
Health

30. One’s physical Health is also an important factor to
good mental health. Sleep and nutrition, for example,
should be given importance and property observed by an
adolescence whose tendency is to take these things for
granted.
Good Physical Health is Good for Mental
Health

31. An individual who is deprived of sleep, for example
will be cranky, will have a short temper, will sometimes
become emotionally sensitive, and will also have a bad
memory.
Physically the individual deprived of sleep may
develop skin rashes or acne, have dark circles around the
eyes and may even develop bad posture because of
feeling weak and having low energy.
Good Physical Health is Good for Mental
Health

32. People around this person will take notice and might
even get affected by certain behavior a sleep deprived
person exhibit.
Good Physical Health is Good for Mental
Health

33. A healthy self-concept plus a healthy mind and body
are once guarantee to good mental health.
When all of these elements are balanced are in
balanced, the general well being is experienced.
Well being is the state of wellness where every aspect
of a person is in balance.
Healthy Concept + Healthy Mind and Body=
Good Mental Health and Well-Being

34. Developing one’s good mental health and well-being
is very important to the adolescent because this serves as
a strong foundation toward a happy and healthy
adulthood.
Healthy Concept + Healthy Mind and Body=
Good Mental Health and Well-Being

35. A mental health is a short term and temporary change
in a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behavior that upsets
one’s well-being, interpersonal relationships, and
productivity.
Mental health illness, on the other hand, refers to
diagnosable mental disorders characterized by changes in
one’s thinking, feeling, and behavior, as well as in one’s
relationships and productivity. There is usually distress or
impaired functioning during mental illness (Knopf, Park,
and Muyle 2008).
Challenges to Mental Health and Well-
Being

36. Many adolescents are more susceptible to mental
health concerns than adults. This is primarily due to their
undeveloped brains and continuing changes in their
bodies.
In addition to this, the adolescent is also going
through tough times in resolving their identity crisis and
role confusion.
Challenges to Mental Health and Well-
Being

37. Roughly 20% of a country’s total population falls
under the 10 to 19 years of age category or the
adolescence category. The WHO estimates that there are
around one billion adolescents around the world today.
This is the reason why World Health Organization has
mandated every member-nation to provide special health
services to the adolescent segment of their population.
Challenges to Mental Health and Well-
Being

38. The WHO enumerated possible mental health challenges
faced by adolescents worldwide. These include “conduct or
behavior disorders, anxiety, depression and eating
disorders, as well as risk behaviors including those that
relate to sexual behavior, substance abuse, and violent
behavior”.
Challenges to Mental Health and Well-
Being

39. The WHO enumerated possible mental health challenges
faced by adolescents worldwide. These include “conduct or
behavior disorders, anxiety, depression and eating
disorders, as well as risk behaviors including those that
relate to sexual behavior, substance abuse, and violent
behavior”.
Challenges to Mental Health and Well-
Being

40. FIVE POPULAR STEPS TO
IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
AND WELL BEING
FROM : NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE OF UNITED
KINGDOM

41. CONNECT
 Connect with the people around
you: Your family, friends, classmates,
schoolmates, and neighbors. Spend
time developing these relationships.

42. BE ACTIVE
 Physical activity generates a positive
sense of wellness. Engage in some sports or
physical activity like playing basketball,
badminton, bowling, biking, or swimming.
Take a walk if you do not have enough time
for some sports.

43. KEEP LEARNING
Learning new skills or obtaining new knowledge can
give you a sense of achievement and new confidence.
Some recommended doing something new everyday. It
can be a short program in cooking or baking, joining
an acting or writing workshop, learning to play a
musical instrument, or fixing a car problem.

44. GIVE TO OTHERS
 Giving to others is not limited to money or other
material things. A smile or a warm and sincere
greeting or thank you can brighten up the day for
both the giver and receiver. Social involvement such as
volunteering during disasters or helping out in your
communities is also good for developing mental health.

45. TAKE NOTICE
 Be in the here and now, be in the present moment, be
aware of what is happening around you, your own
thoughts and feelings, and the physical sensations that
you experience . This awareness is also referred to as
“mindfulness”, and being mindful can positively change
the way you feel about life and how you feel about life
and how you approach challenges.