A considerate and caring approach that considers the particular difficulties of dealing with young people is essential. The deficit-based and strength-based approaches are two popular ones here. One school of thought, the deficit-based approach, tends to pathologize teenage behavior and spread unflattering preconceptions about them. In contrast, the empowerment-focused strength-based approach builds on young people’s strengths rather than only on resolving their difficulties.
According to Onyeka et al. (2019), those who use a deficit-based approach tend to see adolescents through their perceived inability to deal with disputes and reduce risk. This approach blames the young themselves for their problems rather than looking at the structural issues that may be at play. While well-intentioned, this strategy for dealing with mental health problems risks stigmatizing and isolating already marginalized young groups. The critical brain changes, such as increased amygdala activity that occur throughout adolescence, which may account for their emotional reactions to particular circumstances, are also ignored.
The research of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor provides a new understanding of the biochemical basis of adolescents’ feelings. These developmental shifts are typical of the maturing brain. When seen through a deficit-based perspective, these feelings might be pathologized as problematic behavior instead of being recognized for what they are: a natural and necessary part of growing up. Therefore, it may be challenging to get a complete picture of juvenile mental health if we just look at the problems without considering the underlying biological factors.
The strength-based approach focuses on young people’s resiliency and potential (Rashid, 2015). This strategy moves the conversation away from what is missing and toward what is achievable by seeing young people as whole people with strengths and resources to be developed. This framework recognizes the significance of bolstering youth’s preexisting forces and equipping them to conquer obstacles confidently. A strengths-based approach is consistent with antiracist and social justice frameworks since it targets underlying causes of youth emotional well-being and antisocial conduct.
By focusing on the youth’s existing resources, practitioners and caregivers may have more fruitful interactions with the young people in their care. Young people’s mental health may be enhanced by encouraging them to focus on their strengths, interests, and hobbies. This method also acknowledges the impact of youth’s environments and promotes the investigation of bolstering structures that might increase their capacity for development and resilience.
Take the case of two struggling adolescents to illustrate the differences between these strategies. Educators and parents that use a deficit-based approach may blame the youngsters’ lack of drive or intellect for their difficulties and respond with punishment. A strength-based approach, on the other hand, would focus on the young people’s inherent abilities rather than their deficits, and it would look for novel methods to incorporate the young people’s skills and interests into their education. This method improves academic results and fosters confidence and drive in the learner.
In conclusion, the approaches presented by the deficit- and strength-based approaches to dealing with youths are pretty distinct. Comparatively, the latter takes a more uplifting and sympathetic stance, whereas the former tends to pathologize and propagate negative stereotypes. More significant and beneficial mental health and general well-being results may be achieved if young people’s innate abilities are recognized and nurtured. Adopting a strength-based approach to supporting and empowering the next generation is essential for professionals, carers, and society. Doing so creates a better and more equitable future for everybody.
References
Onyeka, Ogechi Maryse Richards, Katherine Tyson McCrea, Kevin Miller, Chana Matthews, Will Donnelly, Vincent Sarna, Jamie Kessler, and Kaila Swint. (2019). The Role of Positive Youth Development on Mental Health for Youth of Color Living in High-Stress Communities: A Strengths-Based Approach. Cloud Object Storage – Amazon S3 – Amazon Web Services. https://s3.amazonaws.com/edufiles.org/673876149_support_Role_of_positive_youth_development_article_30OzqG6qhLYV7fZ.pdf?response-content-disposition=filename%3DRole_of_positive_youth_development_article.pdf&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIAJSBH2MC2JCUOGNGQ%2F20230721%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20230721T054325Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=1200&X-Amz-Signature=787cb23abdfc6d9911fb22172bf25b5a11d846e6244375ca2b524e5d13bde4e2
Rashid, T. (2015). Positive psychotherapy: A strength-based approach. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(1), 25-40.
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