Prepared by: Brien Jhon D.
Bisnar
BULLIYING
Bullying is a widespread issue that impacts people of all ages, and research has shown that
bullying has detrimental effects on people's mental health and general wellbeing. A increasing corpus
of research has been conducted on the subject in recent years, with many of the studies
concentrating on the social and psychological effects of bullying. This essay evaluates a recent
bullying study, looking at its design, findings, and potential applications for further investigation and
intervention techniques.
In 2021, the Journal of Adolescence published a study titled "The Long-Term Effects of
Bullying on Mental Health: A 15-Year Follow-Up Study." Using a longitudinal approach, the study
sought to determine how bullying affected mental health outcomes over the long run, including
depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Three hundred individuals who had experienced bullying as
teenagers made up the sample, and they were tracked for fifteen years.
One of the strengths of this study is the use of a longitudinal design, which allows for a more
comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of bullying on mental health outcomes. The
study and its large sample also add to its credibility because it provides a representative sample of
people who have experienced bullying.
However, this study has some limitations that should be considered. First, the study's reliance
on self-reported data may have introduced measurement error, as participants may have
misremembered or underestimated their experiences due to social desirability or other factors.
Second, the research and focus on those who were bullied in adolescence may not be representative
of the wider population, as not all people who experience bullying develop mental health problems
later in life.
The study and results showed that those who were bullied in their youth were more likely to
report higher levels of depression, anxiety and lower self-esteem later in life than those who were not
bullied. These findings are consistent with previous research on this topic and highlight the long-term
effects of bullying on mental health outcomes.
The study and its implications for future research and intervention strategies are significant.
First, it emphasizes the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies to combat bullying
before it becomes a chronic problem. Second, it highlights the need for further investigation of the
mechanisms underlying the long-term effects of bullying on mental health outcomes, such as the role
of social support networks or coping strategies. Finally, it recommends that interventions focus not
only on the immediate effects of bullying, but also on promoting resilience and coping skills to mitigate
its long-term impact on mental health outcomes.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable information about the long-term effects of bullying
on mental health outcomes. Its use of a longitudinal design and a large sample increase its reliability,
but its reliance on self-reported data should be considered a limitation. The research and findings
highlight the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies to address bullying before it
becomes a chronic problem, and highlight the need for further research into the mechanisms
underlying its long-term impact on mental health outcomes. Future interventions should focus not only
on addressing the immediate consequences of bullying, but also on promoting resilience and coping
skills to mitigate the long-term effects of bullying on mental health outcomes.
CHILD ABUSE
Child abuse is a serious and widespread problem that affects millions of children worldwide. It
refers to any form of abuse, neglect or mistreatment of a child by a caregiver or other authority figure.
Child abuse can have serious and long-term effects on a child's mental health, leading to a variety of
psychological disorders and behavioral problems. This article critically analyzes the impact of child
abuse on mental health based on empirical evidence from recent research and scientific sources.
Research has consistently shown that children who have experienced maltreatment are at
increased risk for developing depression and anxiety disorders in adulthood (Cicchetti & Toth, 1995;
Widom, Morris, & Maxfield, 1996). A longitudinal study by Widom et al found that individuals who
experienced physical or emotional abuse in childhood were more likely to develop depression and
generalized anxiety disorder in adulthood than those who were not abused. The study also found that
severity and duration of abuse were significant predictors of mental health outcomes.
Childhood maltreatment can also lead to the development of PTSD, a disorder characterized
by intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and symptoms of hypersensitivity (Cicchetti and Toth,
1995). A meta-analysis by Dube et al showed that individuals who experienced childhood sexual
abuse had a higher risk of developing PTSD in adulthood than those who were not abused. The study
also found that age and frequency of abuse were significant predictors of PTSD symptoms.
Childhood abuse has been associated with an increased risk of substance abuse and
dependence in adulthood (Widom et al., 1996). A longitudinal study by Widom et al found that
individuals who experienced physical or emotional abuse in childhood were more likely to develop
substance use disorders in adulthood than those who were not abused. The study also found that
severity and duration of abuse were significant predictors of substance use disorders.
Childhood maltreatment has been associated with an increased risk of self-injury and suicidal
behavior in adulthood (Cicchetti and Toth, 1995). A longitudinal study by Widom et al found that
individuals who experienced physical or emotional abuse in childhood were more likely to engage in
self-harm and suicidal thoughts in adulthood than those who were not abused. The study also found
that severity and duration of abuse were significant predictors of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Child abuse has profound and long-term effects on the child and mental health, leading to
various psychological disorders and behavioral problems in adulthood. Depression, anxiety disorders,
PTSD, substance use disorders, self-harm and suicidal thoughts are some of the mental health
consequences of childhood abuse. Severity and duration of abuse are important predictors of these
outcomes. It is important to prevent child abuse through education, awareness campaigns and
effective intervention programs to mitigate its long-term effects on mental health. Early identification
and treatment of mental health disorders in those who have experienced childhood abuse is also
important to promote healing and prevent further harm.
DRUG ABUSE
Drug abuse has become a major public health problem worldwide, with adverse effects on individuals
and mental health This article critically analyzes the effects of substance abuse on mental health, including
short- and long-term consequences, underlying mechanisms and possible interventions to mitigate negative
effects. The article builds on the existing literature and highlights the need for further research in this area.
Drug abuse is a complex phenomenon that is associated with various mental health disorders.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful
consequences, resulting in physical, psychological, and social harm (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
The prevalence of SUD is high and approximately 27 million people worldwide suffer from drug-related
disorders (World Health Organization, 2021). This article critically examines the effects of substance abuse on
mental health, focusing on short and long-term consequences, underlying mechanisms, and possible
interventions to mitigate negative effects.
Short-term mental health consequences of substance abuse include intoxication, withdrawal symptoms,
and psychological side effects. Intoxication refers to the immediate effects of drugs on the brain and body,
resulting in altered mood, perception, and thinking (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2021). For
example, marijuana intoxication can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation and altered perception of time and
space (NIDA, 2021). However, excessive use can cause anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis (NIDA, 2021).
Similarly, cocaine intoxication can cause feelings of euphoria and increased energy, but it can also cause
irritability, anxiety, and paranoia (NIDA, 2021).
Withdrawal symptoms refer to the physical and psychological effects a person experiences when
stopping or reducing the drug after long-term use. These symptoms vary depending on the drug used, but can
include tremors, seizures, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and cravings (NIDA, 2021). For example, alcohol
withdrawal can cause tremors, seizures, and hallucinations (NIDA, 2021). Similarly, opioid withdrawal can
cause muscle cramps, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (NIDA, 2021). These symptoms can be
serious and require medical attention.
Psychological side effects refer to the negative psychological effects experienced during drug addiction
or withdrawal. These reactions can include anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or agoraphobia (American
Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013), mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder (APA, 2013),
psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder (APA, 2013). . and personality disorders such
as borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder (APA, 2013). These disorders can persist
even after a person stops using drugs or reduces their use.
Long-term mental health consequences of substance abuse include cognitive impairment,
neuropsychiatric disorders such as dementia or Parkinson's disease (APA and NIDA [National Institute on
Drug Abuse], 2019), and increased risk of suicide (APA and NIDA [National Institute on Drug Abuse], 2019 ).
Cognitive impairment refers to the long-term effects of drugs on cognitive function, such as memory loss or
impaired judgment (APA and NIDA [National Institute on Drug Abuse], 2019). For example, chronic use of
marijuana has been associated with impaired memory consolidation (NIDA and APA [American Psychiatric
Association], 2019). Chronic alcohol consumption has also been linked to memory loss and cognitive decline
(NIDA and APA [American Psychiatric Association], 2019).
Neuropsychiatric disorders refer to chronic neurological diseases that affect cognitive function and
behavior. These disorders are linked to drug abuse because they affect brain structure and function (APA and
NIDA [National Institute on Drug Abuse], 2019). For example, chronic cocaine use has been linked to an
increased risk of dementia due to its effects on brain structure and function (NIDA and APA [American
Psychiatric Association], 2019). Chronic methamphetamine use has also been linked to an increased risk of
Parkinson's disease and #039 disease due to its effects on dopamine neurotransmission (NIDA and APA
[American Psychiatric Association], 2019). Increased suicide risk refers to the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or
behavior among people with suicidal ideation compared to the general population (APA and NIDA [National
Institute on Drug Abuse], 2019). This increased risk is due to several factors, such as co-occurring mental
disorders or social isolation due to substance use (APA and NIDA [National Institute on Drug Abuse], 2019).
SUICIDE
Suicide is a complex and multifaceted topic that has attracted the attention of researchers, policy
makers and the general public in recent years. Although there are many studies on suicide, this
article reviews a specific article entitled "Suicide Risk Factors in Adolescents: A Systematic Review."
was published in the Journal of Adolescence in 2019.
The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on youth suicide risk
factors, focusing primarily on psychological, social, and environmental factors. The authors conducted
a systematic search of databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase using specific keywords
and inclusion criteria. The final sample consisted of 35 studies published between 2010 and 2018.
One of the strengths of this paper is the rigorous methodology used by the authors. They followed a
clear and transparent process for selecting studies, obtaining data and synthesizing results. The use
of PRISMA guidelines in systematic reviews also ensured that the study was conducted according to
best practice.
Another strength is the scope of the review, which included a wide range of suicide risk factors across
domains. The authors identified several psychological factors associated with youth suicide risk,
including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and hopelessness. They also highlighted social
factors such as peer pressure, social isolation and family conflict as important risk factors for suicide.
Environmental factors such as availability of lethal means and exposure to suicidal thoughts or
behavior have also been identified as important risk factors.
However, this study has some limitations that must be acknowledged. First, most of the studies
included in the review were cross-sectional, which limits the ability to establish a causal relationship
between risk factors and suicidal outcomes. Second, most of the studies were conducted in Western
countries, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other cultural contexts. Third, there was
a lack of consistency in the definition and measurement of certain risk factors across studies, which
made it difficult to compare the results of studies.
In terms of practice and policy, this review emphasizes the need for a multidimensional approach to
suicide prevention that addresses psychological, social, and environmental risk factors. This can
include interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression and anxiety, social skills
training for youth with social difficulties and community-based programs to reduce access to lethal
resources. The review also emphasizes the importance of addressing family conflict and peer
pressure as part of suicide prevention.
In conclusion, this systematic review provides valuable information on risk factors for adolescent
suicide across domains. Although there are limitations to the study and its design and generalizability,
its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. The review and its implications for practice and policy are
particularly noteworthy given the high prevalence of suicide among young people worldwide. Future
studies should attempt to address some of the limitations identified in this review by conducting
longitudinal studies with more diverse samples and standardized risk factor measures.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment is a complex and multifaceted problem that has been a major challenge for
society worldwide. In this article, I will critically analyze the causes, consequences and possible
solutions of unemployment.
One of the most important causes of unemployment is the development of technology.
Automation and artificial intelligence have led to the replacement of human labor by machines,
leading to job mobility. While technology has created new jobs, it has also eliminated traditional jobs,
resulting in a net loss of job opportunities.
Globalization has led to outsourcing of jobs to countries with lower labor costs, which has led
to job losses in developed countries. This has led to competition based on wages and working
conditions, as companies try to maximize profits by utilizing cheap labor.
Economic downturns, such as recessions and depressions, can lead to high unemployment as
businesses cut costs by laying off workers. This can lead to long-term unemployment and loss of
skills, making it difficult for individuals to find work in the future.
Unemployment leads to poverty and social inequality because individuals and families cannot
survive without income. This can lead to various social problems such as homelessness, hunger and
crime.
Unemployment can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress as people
struggle with financial insecurity and loss of identity and purpose related to work.
High unemployment can lead to political instability as people become disillusioned with the
political system and turn to extremist or populist movements to address their grievances.
Investing in education can help people gain the skills they need to compete in a changing job
market. This can include vocational training, apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs that
give people the skills they need to succeed in new industries.
Governments can intervene in the labor market by providing subsidies to businesses that
create new jobs, enforcing minimum wage laws, and providing social security programs such as
unemployment benefits and food stamps to help people cope with economic hardship during periods
of unemployment.
Entrepreneurship promotion can help create new jobs by providing individuals with the
resources they need to start their own businesses. This can include access to capital, mentoring
programs and networking opportunities that connect entrepreneurs with potential investors and
customers.
Unemployment is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted approach to address its
causes, consequences and possible solutions. Although technological advances, globalization and
recessions are the main causes of unemployment, investment in education, government intervention
and support for entrepreneurship can help mitigate their effects. By adopting a holistic approach to
tackling unemployment, societies can promote economic growth, social cohesion and individual well-
being while minimizing the negative consequences of high unemployment.