Learning and psychological difficulties among non-engaged youth in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between having learning diffi culties (LD), psychological problems, and being non-engaged among Hong Kong youths. Four hundred and twenty-eight youths, aged from 15 to 24 years, and who were either non-engaged youth (NEY) or at-risk of becoming nonengaged, were interviewed. Instruments consisted of a demographic questionnaire, an initial screening, and a follow-up in-depth investigation of learning and psychological diffi culties. It was estimated that around 26 % of NEY subjects and around 42 % of at-risk subjects could be regarded as having a certain degree of LD. It can be roughly estimated that around 13.7 % of NEY subjects and around 22 % of at-risk subjects were experiencing psychological diffi culties at the time this study was conducted. Major types of psychological problems encountered by non-engaged youths were mood, substance use, and anxiety disorders. They also appeared to be mostly affected by employment, fi nancial, and relationship issues.

Psychological distress and resilience as risk and protective factors of psychoactive substance use among Chinese nonengaged youth

“…Instead, the mode of recruitment was considered as a background variable for potential adjustment in the statistical analysis. Despite the limitation bias, the same approaches of using multiple modes/sources for recruitment and a pooled analysis have been used in previous research on health‐risk behaviours (Cheng‐Lai & Dorcas, ; Folch, Esteve, Zaragoza, Muñoz, & Casabona, ; Lau et al, ).…”

“…Anxiety and depression are also potential risk factors. Such mental health problems are highly prevalent in both general and NEY adolescent populations (Cheng‐Lai & Dorcas, ; Lewinsohn et al, ). NEY are vulnerable to develop anxiety/depression as their negative life experiences such as school dropout, unemployment, and associated problems (e.g., family conflicts, financial strain, and stigma) are stressors and antecedents of psychological distress (Fergusson, Horwood, & Lynskey, ; McLoyd et al, ).…”

“…In this study, NEY was operationally defined as those who were 15-to 24-year-old and had neither been working nor studying in the last 3 months. The definition was similar to that used in other previous studies (Cheng-Lai & Dorcas, 2011;Shek & Lee, 2004). As both school dropout and unemployment are risk factors of psychoactive substance use among youth (Henkel, 2011;Townsend, Flisher, & King, 2007), NEY are at higher risk of psychoactive substance use than others.…”

Teaching a subject on leadership and intrapersonal development: some personal reflections

“…In 2009, Lee et al [9] stated on how "suicide has become a leading cause of mortality and morbidity for adolescents in Hong Kong". Another phenomenon that has been noted in the literature is that of Disengaged Youth [10]. Many young adults lack direction, self-awareness and do not know how or do not want to take responsibility for their lives.…”

“…As mentioned earlier, young people today are faced with many challenges [7][8][9][10]. A more recent phenomenon that students have to tackle in their search for meaning and identity is the significant prevalence of information technology available today.…”