HMS, HIC 2017 HSC 27a

Explain the determinants of ONE major health issue that affects young people. (8 marks)

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Health Issue: Mental Health Issues in Young People

Socioeconomic determinants directly influence mental health outcomes amongst young Australians. This occurs because family income affects access to mental health services and educational opportunities. Low socioeconomic status leads to increased stress, housing instability, and reduced healthcare access. For instance, when families cannot afford private psychology sessions, young people rely on overstretched public services. This demonstrates why disadvantaged youth experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than their affluent peers.
Social media and technology create significant environmental pressures on young people’s mental wellbeing. This happens because constant online comparison and cyberbullying increase psychological distress. These platforms trigger feelings of inadequacy and social isolation amongst adolescents. Evidence of this includes research showing increased depression rates correlating with social media usage time. The result is young people experiencing body image issues and reduced self-esteem from unrealistic online portrayals.
Academic pressure generates substantial stress-related mental health problems in students. This works by creating intense competition for university places and career opportunities. Consequently, many young people develop anxiety disorders and burnout symptoms. A clear example is HSC students experiencing panic attacks during examination periods. This explains why perfectionist tendencies and fear of failure contribute significantly to youth mental health crises in Australia.

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Health Issue: Mental Health Issues in Young People

Socioeconomic determinants directly influence mental health outcomes amongst young Australians. This occurs because family income affects access to mental health services and educational opportunities. Low socioeconomic status leads to increased stress, housing instability, and reduced healthcare access. For instance, when families cannot afford private psychology sessions, young people rely on overstretched public services. This demonstrates why disadvantaged youth experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than their affluent peers.
Social media and technology create significant environmental pressures on young people’s mental wellbeing. This happens because constant online comparison and cyberbullying increase psychological distress. These platforms trigger feelings of inadequacy and social isolation amongst adolescents. Evidence of this includes research showing increased depression rates correlating with social media usage time. The result is young people experiencing body image issues and reduced self-esteem from unrealistic online portrayals.
Academic pressure generates substantial stress-related mental health problems in students. This works by creating intense competition for university places and career opportunities. Consequently, many young people develop anxiety disorders and burnout symptoms. A clear example is HSC students experiencing panic attacks during examination periods. This explains why perfectionist tendencies and fear of failure contribute significantly to youth mental health crises in Australia.

♦♦ Mean mark 54%.