Research & Program Outcomes
Why Now?
In the past decade, young people have shown a significant increase in depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Although mental health has been an ongoing concern, the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has impacted young people’s mental health in unprecedented ways. Before the pandemic, self harm and self diagnosis were declining, however Covid quickly increased maladaptive behaviors reaching higher than pre-pandemic prevalence. Psychological problems are reported to have had over a 40% increase including a sense of isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression. Shockingly, 79% of GenZers report being ‘lonely all the time.” This qualifies current loneliness as an epidemic!
This generation is proven to be one with a craving for interaction, individuality and authenticity! However, fear of judgment and shame quickly override this desire compelling individuals to hide behind a curated mask. Additionally, escalating problematic media use is shown to increase the internalization of the above mental health illnesses. This means consumers are self diagnosing and thus increasing their symptomatology because of the belonging and perceived acceptance it creates online. We are in crisis. The ever evolving consequences of Covid-19 create persistent, deteriorating mental health. Young people are a critical part of our community and need advocacy and mental health resources to build emotional resilience and crisis management skills. When anxiety and depression are the norm, it calls for specific reflection. This worldwide concern is heavily influenced by unhealthy reactions and maladaptive coping to chaotic environments. In a world of polarization, division, school shootings, serious health concerns and online comparison paired with anonymous bullying, we need opportunities for self-reflection and growth.
Our program offers a solution. Through value and core belief exploration away from the influence of problematic media use and expectations, participants will root themselves on a firm foundation and build authentic self- identity.
Learn by Doing
The goal of experiential learning is to foster the application of skills and concepts in an immersive, real world experience. The journey of learning by doing accelerates knowledge by using critical thinking and problem solving skills where natural connection meets human connection. Through intentional use of adventure, students get a first hand experience to directly apply what is being taught. This practice- based education provides opportunity to explore interpersonal dynamics and increase self-knowledge. When students are engaged in an integrative experience, several long term positive effects emerge including decrease in ADHD, increase in flexible mind-set, growth in positive self-perception, increase in academic success, collaborative skills, and a sense of belonging in a world greater than their own.
The Power of Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is the process of providing mental health information with the goal of creating more self-awareness, increased internal and external resources and a greater capacity to work toward mental and emotional well being. Emotional regulation is not an innate skill, it must be taught and developed. Through integrative education, young people can more effectively understand how they feel, why they feel it, and how to deal with future problems and stressful situations. Focusing on overall wellness, young people will gain self-efficacy, boost tolerance for imperfection and failure, and build grit and confidence as they overcome obstacles both internally and externally.
Program Outcomes
Our program outcomes are categorized under four key objectives:
Sense of Self
Emotional Intelligence ~ Self-Worth ~ Self Awareness
- Students will be able to identify and regulate their emotions using sustainable, adaptive coping and communication skills.
- Students will be grounded and connected to their inner self through identified core beliefs, understand self- narratives and build skills for repeated self-evaluation.
- Students will examine and identify personal values with an understanding of their foundational influence and build skills for implementation.
Sense of Belonging
Social Skills ~ Community ~ Conflict Resolution
- Students will understand the importance of authentic relationships, perspective taking and build effective intrapersonal skills
- Students will develop self-awareness skills to manage expectations and peer competitiveness.
- Students will understand the importance of connection to a larger community and their role in building a collaborative environment.
Sense of Capability
Life Skills ~ Self-Efficacy ~ Resilience
- Students will be able to sustain long term mental health practices for continued wellness through healthy habit building and resourcefulness. Students will develop an increased work ethic, stress management skills, and sense of personal responsibility.
- Students will build on their new found capabilities and will develop and practice their individual leadership skills, recognizing their unique strengths and contribution to a larger community
Sense of Purpose
Application ~ Leadership
- Students will stretch out of their comfort zone and get exposed to nature, other cultures, other ways of life and be able to start to see a place for themselves in the world that aligns with their unique gifts and interests.
- Students will participate in meaningful work that allows them to apply their unique skills and interests to benefit their community and the world.
- Students will create effective action plans aligned with personal values encouraging self-acceptance, self-compassion and perseverance.
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