How do perceptions of self-identity and self-worth affect the health of young people? (8 marks)
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Overview Statement
- Self-identity and self-worth perceptions fundamentally influence young people’s health choices and wellbeing outcomes through their direct impact on mental health stability and health-protective behaviours.
Self-Identity and Health Behaviours
- Young people’s self-identity formation determines their health-related decision-making patterns because identity shapes personal values and lifestyle choices.
- This occurs when adolescents who identify as athletes prioritise physical fitness and nutrition to maintain their self-image.
- Conversely, those experiencing identity confusion may engage in risky behaviours like substance use to fit perceived social expectations or rebel against authority figures.
- The underlying reason is that self-identity provides the framework through which young people interpret health information and make behavioural choices.
Self-Worth and Mental Health
- Low self-worth directly contributes to increased rates of anxiety, depression and self-harm among young people because negative self-perception creates ongoing feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness.
- This results in social withdrawal, poor academic performance and reduced help-seeking behaviours when health problems arise.
- However, positive self-worth enables resilience against peer pressure and supports healthy coping strategies during stressful periods.
Health Impact Integration
- Therefore, both self-identity and self-worth work together to shape young people’s health outcomes because they influence daily decisions about exercise, nutrition and risk-taking behaviours.
- This shows how psychological wellbeing connects directly to physical health through the choices young people make about their lifestyle and relationships.
Show Worked Solution
Overview Statement
- Self-identity and self-worth perceptions fundamentally influence young people’s health choices and wellbeing outcomes through their direct impact on mental health stability and health-protective behaviours.
Self-Identity and Health Behaviours
- Young people’s self-identity formation determines their health-related decision-making patterns because identity shapes personal values and lifestyle choices.
- This occurs when adolescents who identify as athletes prioritise physical fitness and nutrition to maintain their self-image.
- Conversely, those experiencing identity confusion may engage in risky behaviours like substance use to fit perceived social expectations or rebel against authority figures.
- The underlying reason is that self-identity provides the framework through which young people interpret health information and make behavioural choices.
Self-Worth and Mental Health
- Low self-worth directly contributes to increased rates of anxiety, depression and self-harm among young people because negative self-perception creates ongoing feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness.
- This results in social withdrawal, poor academic performance and reduced help-seeking behaviours when health problems arise.
- However, positive self-worth enables resilience against peer pressure and supports healthy coping strategies during stressful periods.
Health Impact Integration
- Therefore, both self-identity and self-worth work together to shape young people’s health outcomes because they influence daily decisions about exercise, nutrition and risk-taking behaviours.
- This shows how psychological wellbeing connects directly to physical health through the choices young people make about their lifestyle and relationships.
♦♦ Mean mark 51%.