Ethnic Differences in Psychological Well-Being in Adolescence

1. What type of research design did the authors use in this study?

The authors, Maynard, and Harding (2009) of Ethnic differences in psychological well-being in adolescence in the context of time spent in family activities use the survey method of research design. They obtain survey results from a sample of 4349 individuals who are aged between 11 and 13. The study attempts to determine whether family activities had an effect on the mental disparities in mental health among children in the UK. It also sought to determine the ef

2. What were the major findings of this study?

This study makes various findings. First, it notes that individuals differed widely on the activities they were likely to get involved in on the basis of their tribes. Second, the article notes that the association between the total difficulty score and ethnicity became more pronounced after the study was controlled. Thirdly, it was noted that the TDS influenced the level of activities in a group.

• What were the limitations of this study?

One limitation of this study is that the information regarding the both psychological well-being was obtained from one source. Different individuals in a family setting were capable of having different aspects of the study. The report however ignored this aspect of the business. The study also fails to acknowledge other factors that may influence the factors studied. Employment rates could, for example affect the TDS of patients and thereby influence the mental health status.

• How might the study be improved in the future?

In future, the study could accommodate more groups in the study. While the study offered a wide variety of groups, it could be improved by using more groups. Second, there is a likelihood of improving this study by taking into consideration more aspects of activity. The level of activity could for example be an important factor in controlling mental health. In future, more members of a family may be used to provide responses. This will provide a more universal view of each of the questions. An increase in the number of questions may serve to inform this research further. It is likely that some of the questions were misunderstood by the participants (Fowler, 1993). An increase in the number of questions eliminates this problem.

• What are the implications of this study for the field of adolescent development?

This study finds the need for positive child development. It appreciates the use of physical activities in regard to improving mental health. The research shows a correlation between the level of living and the mental health among adolescents. In this regard, it is likely that poverty eradication mechanisms would be used in the future to help in the reduction of mental problems among adolescents. This study could also be used in collaboration with other studies to administer better health practices for young patients. Patients’ lack of knowledge could influence the prevalence of poor health among young patients. This study could be used by policy makers in developing better patient care mechanisms to deal with patient difficulties.

• How might these research findings help you as a professional working in the field of adolescent development?

This research is important in my understanding of the adolescence patients of mental problems. It points out underlying issues that prevent activity among the different populations. This research will make me more likely to recommend unconventional activities as a means to deal with mental health issues. I will also be likelier to borrow from research in regard to cures and other mechanism. These results also call for activism for mental patients in various groups. First, activism may require me and other individuals in healthcare industry give more attention to patients while identifying the various levels of care that they may require.

References

Fowler, F. (1993). Survey research methods. Newbury Park: Sage Publications.

Maynard, M., & Harding, S. (2009). Ethnic differences in psychological well-being in adolescence in the context of time spent in family activities. Social Psychiatry And Psychiatric Epidemiology, 45(1), 115-123. doi:10.1007/s00127-009-0047-z