Day :
Keynote Forum
Ajit Kaur
University of South Australia
Keynote: An exploration of role stress and existential stress in adolescents
Biography:
Ajit Kaur has completed her Masters in Education and Masters in Economics from Guru Nanak Dev University, India, and expecting her PhD conferral next month from University of South Australia. She is the member of Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion, University of South Australia, and published three papers in reputed journals and presented in two international conferences
Abstract:
Stress in adolescents continues to escalate impacting on relationships (role stress) and purpose in life (existential stress). Yet, research into role stress and existential stress has primarily focused on adults contesting that they have wider social interactions and multiple role identities (Garossa et al., 2011). Some challenge this view arguing that adolescents are the first to be confronted with role stress (Fenzel, 1989; Liu & Kapan, 2004) and existential stress (Fitzgerald, 2005; Hacker, 1994), highlighting the need to explore this potential relationship in adolescence. Drawing on a larger mixed method study exploring adolescents’ experiences of role stress and/or existential stress and the potential relationship these stressors have with their emotional intelligence and wellbeing, this presentation shares participants lived experiences of role stress and existential stress. Employing the Role Stress scale (Liu & Kaplan, 2004) and the Purpose in Life test-SF (Schulenberg et al., 2011), 375 adolescents aged 13-19 years (years 8-12) in South Australia reported some experiences of role stress and/or existential stress. For some, a significant positive relationship emerged between these stressors. These findings highlight the need to further explore adolescent role and existential stress to promote healthy psychosocial development, wellbeing and mental health, thus creating productive and healthy societies.
- Mental Health and Well-being
Location: Webinar
Session Introduction
Erin Ramachandran
Mental Health & Wellness Program Director, USA
Title: Breaking the Silence of this Relationship Destroyer - - Hope for Mental Health in Relationships
Biography:
Erin Ramachandran is an award-winning author of Mental Health Strong, A Christian’s Guide to Walking Resiliently alongside Your Spouse with a Mental Health Condition. Erin holds a master’s degree in Health Care Administration, is a Psychology Doctorate Student and is a certified Mental Health First Aid USA instructor. She has previous spoken at multiple conferences including the Mental Health Matters Conference, the International OCD Annual Conference and multiple others. Professionally, Erin has worked in the healthcare industry for more than seventeen years and is the Mental Health & Wellness Program Director at one of the largest non-profit health plans in the United States. Besides her professional experience, Erin personally lives this day-in and day-out with her husband, Keith who has been diagnosed with multiple mental health disorders including OCD, Depression and PTSD. Together they have started a non-profit called Mental Health Strong to bring hope to marriages with mental health and addiction challenges. Her and her husband, Keith live in Southern California and have been married for over thirteen years
Abstract:
Do you feel like you are having the same frustrations, arguments or dsyfunctional cycle in your relationship with a loved one with a mental health or addiction challenge? Do you feel hopeless, tired, and worn out or ready to give up? This workshop is for you. Learn how to identify the relationnship cycle that you are experiencing and how to put together a boundary plan in breaking the cycle. You will learn what a boundary is, the difference between a boundary and a threat and how to practice putting healthy emotional boundaries in your life. As a result, you will learn how to better control your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to make positive changes in your relationship.
Josephine Muchiri
Daystar University Clinical Psychology Department, Kenya.