Decline in Adolescents' Subjective Well-Being and What Can We Do?
According to a recent report by a UK children’s charity, the well-being of British teenagers is declining. The report indicates that 15% of 14- to 15-year-olds feel dissatisfied with their lives, with a growing number feeling less happy as they grow older. Moreover, there is a rising incidence of depression among teenagers, and the suicide rate within this age group is increasing. This raises the question: What factors are causing the decline in happiness among teenagers in this society?
The OECD's (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) is the only large-scale international survey that links students' academic achievements with their well-being. PISA defines well-being as a dynamic state and categorizes adolescent well-being into four aspects: cognitive, physical, social, and material. Well-being refers to an individual’s state of comfort, health, and happiness.
Ms. Lee Li Li, Founder of Azon Allied Health & Educare Development Sdn Bhd and a clinical psychologist, point out that the use of digital technologies and social media is a major factor contributing to the challenges encountered by adolescents. Current estimates suggest that children aged 8 to 12 spend 5½hours a day on screens, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 spend nearly 9 hours daily. She notes that technological advancements have reduced social interactions and connections between people, leading to uncertainty about the future for both individuals and the earth. Coupled with other environmental factors—such as a secular society, loneliness, and the blurring of social norms—teenagers feel increasingly oppressed.
"This long-term oppression gives rise to suboptimal mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and palpitations. Multiple studies show that teenagers with suboptimal mental health are particularly susceptible to the pitfalls of technology, using it to “anesthetize” themselves, ultimately leading to depression or distress.
Well-being Starts with Family Relationships
In an interview with “Feminine”, Ms. Lee Li Li stated that, from a psychological and child development perspective, well-being begins with the formation of a teenager's 'self-concept’. This self-concept is seen as a protective factor that helps combat mental health issues and support overall well-being. However, it can also be a risk factor, affecting social interactions and behaviour during adolescence, which may lead to various mental health challenges. For example, teenagers dissatisfied with their bodies generally have low self-esteem and declining mental health, leading to eating disorders, dieting behaviours, obesity, and a higher risk of depression.
So, is the unhappiness that teenagers experience in their daily lives caused by internal emotional issues, environmental challenges, or a combination of both?
Ms. Lee Li Li believes that both external and internal factors are closely related to adolescent well-being. External factors include interpersonal relationships, living environment, society, and culture, while internal factors involve beliefs, behaviour, genetics, and the activities we choose to engage in.
Everyone hopes for a well-functioning family, and the benefits of family happiness and unity are enormous. Surveys show that adolescent well-being is closely linked to the quality of family relationships. Ms. Lee Li Li emphasizes that if the family is happy, teenagers will also be happy, and vice versa. Teenagers from families lacking parental love are easily influenced by external factors, which in turn affect their internal emotions, leading to a lack of emotional self-regulation and even being overly attached to their phones. "Teenagers need love, a sense of being valued, and security, all of which must start with the family. They need a stable family relationship more than a stable family financial status.”
She explains that dysfunctional families are characterized by frequent conflicts, inappropriate behaviour, or even abuse, where family members are compelled to tolerate and endure these negative dynamics. Single-parent families or families where parents are busy with work may not be able to give children sufficient time and support, making it more challenging to nurture adolescent well-being.
Finding a life purpose can seem daunting at any age, but it is especially so for adolescents. In high school, teenagers are constantly searching for their identity, trying to figure out what they want to do for the rest of their lives while also juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and maintaining social life. "For the average teenager, finding oneself and a sense of purpose can easily be replaced by the worries and responsibilities of more immediate, everyday activities." Ms. Lee Li Li points out that much media information suggests that teenagers are already independent and do not need adult care, but the opposite is true. Parents or caregivers play a crucial role in the healthy growth of teenagers from adolescence to young adulthood.
Factors Influencing Adolescents’ Self-control
"Adolescence is a critical period for developing self-control abilities, including increased cognitive complexity, managing frustration and stress, integrating thoughts and emotions in ways that help achieve goals, and understanding oneself and empathizing with others."
To build self-control, it is essential to employ a multifaceted approach. First, guide teenagers by demonstrating self-discipline, providing practice opportunities, monitoring their progress in developing skills and achieving goals, and reinforcing their efforts. Second, create a supportive and responsive relationship that makes them feel secure in their learning and mistake-making processes. Third, adjust the environment to facilitate self-control by minimizing opportunities for risky behaviours, applying positive disciplinary measures, allowing natural consequences for poor decisions, and reducing emotional intensity during conflicts.
Today, the rise of social media also negatively impacts adolescent mental health and social relationships. Ms. Lee Li Li notes that for some teenagers, the use of social or digital media tends to have profound and significant negative effects. "These teenagers seem particularly prone to falling into the trap of technology, leading to addiction, eventually resulting in depression or distress. The influence of “curated identity” on social media - for example, representing oneself with others' photos, creating unrealistic images, making sweet but unrealistic promises, or having others write words on their behalf—exacerbates teenage insecurity and negatively affects self-awareness.
So, when facing the challenge of declining well-being, how can teenagers cope, and how can the family provide practical help?
Ms Lee Li Li believes that parents can talk about the importance of 'positive connections' and lead by example to help their children build healthy interpersonal relationships. Examples of positive connections include caring for those around you and engaging in conversation with them or avoiding impulsive reactions in the face of conflict. Try calming yourself by going for a walk, taking deep breaths, or watching a relaxing video, describe your current feelings, and then speak once you're calm; regularly converse with people who 'support' you and observe your feelings. Then, consider how you can 'support' them in return, such as offering the help they need, listening to them, etc. When teenagers gradually develop the habit of supporting others, these connections will generate value and meaning. Regardless of the size of positive connections, parents should pay more attention to the types of connections teenagers establish, as friendships significantly impact adolescent well-being. Research shows that peer behaviour and the quality of peer relationships are strongly related to adolescents’ psychological, social, and academic functioning and well-being.
Practicing Gratitude from Everyday Life
"The phrase 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' applies not only to charity events but also to psychological health activities that help teenagers find a sense of wellbeing." Ms. Lee Li Li notes that more and more universities around the world are now making community service or volunteering mandatory, which shows that such activities can indeed benefit teenagers. If teenagers care about giving back from an early age, they are more likely to achieve fulfilling lives. Many opportunities to give back exist in everyday life, such as cleaning up the environment with family or friends for the community, volunteering at an animal shelter, etc., without waiting for a charity organization to call for large-scale or formal charitable projects. Teenagers can also give back at school, for example, by mentoring students in need, joining clubs to improve the school environment, engaging in environmental protection activities, or participating in rural service projects. Ms. Lee Li Li points out that adolescence is a time of high curiosity and exploration, and their bodies should naturally become more active. After all, the human body is designed to move to maintain functionality. "Research shows that moderate exercise that lasts at least 45 minutes per week benefits not only the body but also improves mental health and enhances well-being.
The types of exercise that benefit teenagers the most are team sports like basketball and soccer, which require team support. Cycling, aerobic exercise, or other fitness activities are also beneficial. "Additionally, schools can encourage teenagers to participate in uniformed groups, group activities, or other extracurricular activities, or have them form running or exercise clubs with friends to help them stay physically active. This can also promote their mental health, help them build more positive connections with others, and increase their sources of well-being."
Notes: The above content is adopted from #754 Feminine. For further information and assistance, please contact us. Thank you.
According to a recent report by a UK children’s charity, the well-being of British teenagers is declining. The report indicates that 15% of 14- to 15-year-olds feel dissatisfied with their lives, with a growing number feeling less happy as they grow older. Moreover, there is a rising incidence of depression among teenagers, and the suicide rate within this age group is increasing. This raises the question: What factors are causing the decline in happiness among teenagers in this society?
The OECD's (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) is the only large-scale international survey that links students' academic achievements with their well-being. PISA defines well-being as a dynamic state and categorizes adolescent well-being into four aspects: cognitive, physical, social, and material. Well-being refers to an individual’s state of comfort, health, and happiness.
Ms. Lee Li Li, Founder of Azon Allied Health & Educare Development Sdn Bhd and a clinical psychologist, point out that the use of digital technologies and social media is a major factor contributing to the challenges encountered by adolescents. Current estimates suggest that children aged 8 to 12 spend 5½hours a day on screens, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 spend nearly 9 hours daily. She notes that technological advancements have reduced social interactions and connections between people, leading to uncertainty about the future for both individuals and the earth. Coupled with other environmental factors—such as a secular society, loneliness, and the blurring of social norms—teenagers feel increasingly oppressed.
"This long-term oppression gives rise to suboptimal mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and palpitations. Multiple studies show that teenagers with suboptimal mental health are particularly susceptible to the pitfalls of technology, using it to “anesthetize” themselves, ultimately leading to depression or distress.
Well-being Starts with Family Relationships
In an interview with “Feminine”, Ms. Lee Li Li stated that, from a psychological and child development perspective, well-being begins with the formation of a teenager's 'self-concept’. This self-concept is seen as a protective factor that helps combat mental health issues and support overall well-being. However, it can also be a risk factor, affecting social interactions and behaviour during adolescence, which may lead to various mental health challenges. For example, teenagers dissatisfied with their bodies generally have low self-esteem and declining mental health, leading to eating disorders, dieting behaviours, obesity, and a higher risk of depression.
So, is the unhappiness that teenagers experience in their daily lives caused by internal emotional issues, environmental challenges, or a combination of both?
Ms. Lee Li Li believes that both external and internal factors are closely related to adolescent well-being. External factors include interpersonal relationships, living environment, society, and culture, while internal factors involve beliefs, behaviour, genetics, and the activities we choose to engage in.
Everyone hopes for a well-functioning family, and the benefits of family happiness and unity are enormous. Surveys show that adolescent well-being is closely linked to the quality of family relationships. Ms. Lee Li Li emphasizes that if the family is happy, teenagers will also be happy, and vice versa. Teenagers from families lacking parental love are easily influenced by external factors, which in turn affect their internal emotions, leading to a lack of emotional self-regulation and even being overly attached to their phones. "Teenagers need love, a sense of being valued, and security, all of which must start with the family. They need a stable family relationship more than a stable family financial status.”
She explains that dysfunctional families are characterized by frequent conflicts, inappropriate behaviour, or even abuse, where family members are compelled to tolerate and endure these negative dynamics. Single-parent families or families where parents are busy with work may not be able to give children sufficient time and support, making it more challenging to nurture adolescent well-being.
Finding a life purpose can seem daunting at any age, but it is especially so for adolescents. In high school, teenagers are constantly searching for their identity, trying to figure out what they want to do for the rest of their lives while also juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and maintaining social life. "For the average teenager, finding oneself and a sense of purpose can easily be replaced by the worries and responsibilities of more immediate, everyday activities." Ms. Lee Li Li points out that much media information suggests that teenagers are already independent and do not need adult care, but the opposite is true. Parents or caregivers play a crucial role in the healthy growth of teenagers from adolescence to young adulthood.
Factors Influencing Adolescents’ Self-control
"Adolescence is a critical period for developing self-control abilities, including increased cognitive complexity, managing frustration and stress, integrating thoughts and emotions in ways that help achieve goals, and understanding oneself and empathizing with others."
To build self-control, it is essential to employ a multifaceted approach. First, guide teenagers by demonstrating self-discipline, providing practice opportunities, monitoring their progress in developing skills and achieving goals, and reinforcing their efforts. Second, create a supportive and responsive relationship that makes them feel secure in their learning and mistake-making processes. Third, adjust the environment to facilitate self-control by minimizing opportunities for risky behaviours, applying positive disciplinary measures, allowing natural consequences for poor decisions, and reducing emotional intensity during conflicts.
Today, the rise of social media also negatively impacts adolescent mental health and social relationships. Ms. Lee Li Li notes that for some teenagers, the use of social or digital media tends to have profound and significant negative effects. "These teenagers seem particularly prone to falling into the trap of technology, leading to addiction, eventually resulting in depression or distress. The influence of “curated identity” on social media - for example, representing oneself with others' photos, creating unrealistic images, making sweet but unrealistic promises, or having others write words on their behalf—exacerbates teenage insecurity and negatively affects self-awareness.
So, when facing the challenge of declining well-being, how can teenagers cope, and how can the family provide practical help?
Ms Lee Li Li believes that parents can talk about the importance of 'positive connections' and lead by example to help their children build healthy interpersonal relationships. Examples of positive connections include caring for those around you and engaging in conversation with them or avoiding impulsive reactions in the face of conflict. Try calming yourself by going for a walk, taking deep breaths, or watching a relaxing video, describe your current feelings, and then speak once you're calm; regularly converse with people who 'support' you and observe your feelings. Then, consider how you can 'support' them in return, such as offering the help they need, listening to them, etc. When teenagers gradually develop the habit of supporting others, these connections will generate value and meaning. Regardless of the size of positive connections, parents should pay more attention to the types of connections teenagers establish, as friendships significantly impact adolescent well-being. Research shows that peer behaviour and the quality of peer relationships are strongly related to adolescents’ psychological, social, and academic functioning and well-being.
Practicing Gratitude from Everyday Life
"The phrase 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' applies not only to charity events but also to psychological health activities that help teenagers find a sense of wellbeing." Ms. Lee Li Li notes that more and more universities around the world are now making community service or volunteering mandatory, which shows that such activities can indeed benefit teenagers. If teenagers care about giving back from an early age, they are more likely to achieve fulfilling lives. Many opportunities to give back exist in everyday life, such as cleaning up the environment with family or friends for the community, volunteering at an animal shelter, etc., without waiting for a charity organization to call for large-scale or formal charitable projects. Teenagers can also give back at school, for example, by mentoring students in need, joining clubs to improve the school environment, engaging in environmental protection activities, or participating in rural service projects. Ms. Lee Li Li points out that adolescence is a time of high curiosity and exploration, and their bodies should naturally become more active. After all, the human body is designed to move to maintain functionality. "Research shows that moderate exercise that lasts at least 45 minutes per week benefits not only the body but also improves mental health and enhances well-being.
The types of exercise that benefit teenagers the most are team sports like basketball and soccer, which require team support. Cycling, aerobic exercise, or other fitness activities are also beneficial. "Additionally, schools can encourage teenagers to participate in uniformed groups, group activities, or other extracurricular activities, or have them form running or exercise clubs with friends to help them stay physically active. This can also promote their mental health, help them build more positive connections with others, and increase their sources of well-being."
Notes: The above content is adopted from #754 Feminine. For further information and assistance, please contact us. Thank you.
