Addressing Mental Health in Adolescent Girls: The Role of Embodied Probes in Stress Self-Disclosure
Adolescence is a critical period marked by significant mental health challenges, particularly for girls navigating the complexities of transitioning into adulthood. Research indicates that adolescent girls are often subjected to various stressors, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. As societal expectations, peer pressures, and personal development intertwine, it becomes imperative to find innovative approaches to promote mental well-being among this demographic.
A recent study has explored the potential of interactive technologies designed to facilitate self-disclosure, focusing specifically on an embodied approach. The study centered around a co-design workshop that utilized Embodied Probes—an array of artefacts and activities that leverage embodied methods and technologies. The workshop involved nine participants, aged 15 to 18, who engaged in both expressive bodily activities and tangible interactions to communicate their stress experiences.
Throughout the session, participants were encouraged to articulate their bodily sensations and feelings towards stress in a safe and supportive environment. This approach revealed valuable insights into the somatic symptoms of stress that many adolescent girls encounter, as well as the diverse sources of their stress. More importantly, the workshop allowed participants to collaboratively design embodied prototypes that addressed their personal needs for stress perception and relief.
The findings from this workshop highlight a significant gap in current mental health interventions—namely, the lack of empowering methods that encourage adolescent girls to express their experiences of stress and anxiety. The insights gained point to the potential for embodied methods to facilitate better self-disclosure, which could serve as a pivotal element in improving mental health outcomes.
This research not only contributes to the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) but also suggests practical implications for mental health practitioners and educators. By integrating embodied technologies into therapeutic and educational settings, there exists an opportunity to enhance self-disclosure practices among young women, ultimately fostering resilience and coping strategies.
In a broader context, as mental health continues to emerge as a pressing public health concern, understanding and innovating solutions tailored to the specific needs of adolescent girls becomes more essential than ever. This study underscores the importance of adopting multifaceted, participatory approaches to mental health that not only acknowledge but actively address the unique experiences of young women during their formative years. The implications extend beyond the scope of this research, potentially impacting future mental health initiatives aimed at empowering adolescent girls through innovative, embodied practices.
