MGT269
REPORT WRITING
MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG TEENAGERS
LECTURER: MADAM INTAN LIANA SUHAIME
GROUP MEMBERS:
1. NOR FARISHA AZWANI BINTI RAZALI (2016628578)
2. NUR ALISSA SABRINA BINTI AHMAD NIZAM (2016426274)
3. NUR HUSNA BINTI RAZAK (2016628826)
4. SITI NUR AISYAH BINTI RAMLAN (2016467804)
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In performing our report writing, we had to take the help and guideline of some
respected persons, who deserve our greatest gratitude. The completion of this report
writing gives us much pleasure. We would like to show our gratitude Madam Intan
Liana binti Suhaime for giving us a good guideline for report writing throughout
numerous consultations. We would also like to expand our deepest gratitude to all
those who have directly and indirectly guided us in writing this report writing.
Many people, especially our classmates and team members itself, have made
valuable comment suggestions on this proposal which gave us an inspiration to
improve our assignment. We thank all the people for their help directly and indirectly
to complete our assignment.
2
CONTENTS
NO.
DETAILS
PAGES
1.
FRONT PAGE
1
2.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
2
3.
CONTENTS
4.
LIST OF FIGURES
6
5.
LIST OF TABLES
7
6.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE MENTAL
3-5
ILLNESS AMONG TEENAGERS
1.1 Background of study
8-9
1.2 Research problem
7.
10 - 11
1.3 Research objectives
12
1.4 Scope of study
13
1.5 Limitation of study
14
CHAPTER 2: BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
15
2.2 Research framework
16
2.3 Mental illness among teenagers
17 - 20
2.4 Factors influencing mental illness among teenagers
21 - 22
2.5 Factor mostly influencing mental illness among
23
teenagers
2.6 Recommendations
8.
24 - 25
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
26
3
9.
3.2 Population
27
3.3 Collective data method
28
3.4 Questionnaires sample
29 - 30
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH FINDING ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
31
4.2 Section A
4.2.1. The age of the respondents
32
4.2.2. The gender of the respondents
33
4.2.3. The place of respondents lived in
34
4.3 Section B
4.3.1. A person with low self-esteem can contribute
35
to the mental illness problem
4.3.2. Feeling pressured and stress are one of the
36
factors influencing mental illness
4.3.3. Abusive among teenagers affect teenagers
37
mental health
4.4 Section C
4.4.1 Mostly Influencing factors among teenagers
38
4.5 Section D
4.5.1. Students should have a time table to make
39
sure their time is organized
4.5.2. Taking a good care of themselves are one of
40
the recommendation to prevent mental illness
4.5.3. People get a lot of information about mental
illness problem among teenagers
4
41
4.6 Section E
4.6.1. Respondents awareness about mental illness
42
among teenagers
4.6.2. The sources about the mental illness problem
43
among teenagers information
4.6.3. Mental illness are affecting teenagers
44
nowadays
4.6.4 Mental illness among teenagers are
45
dangerous
4.6.5. Teenagers nowadays should get expose to
46
the mental illness problems
4.6.6. Mental illness can be treat
10.
47
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
48
5.2 Findings
49
5.3 Research objectives
50
5.4 Recommendations
51
5.5 Conclusion
52
11.
REFERENCES
53
12.
APPENDIX
54
5
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 4.2.1 The age of the respondents
Figure 4.2.2 The gender of the respondents
Figure 4.4.1 A person with low self-esteem can contribute to the mental illness
problem
Figure 4.5.1 Mostly influencing factor among teenagers
Figure 4.6.3 People get a lot of information about mental illness problem among
teenagers
Figure 4.3.1 Respondents awareness about mental illness among teenagers
Figure 4.3.2 The sources about mental illness problem among teenagers information
Figure 4.3.4 Mental illness are affecting teenagers nowadays
6
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.2.3 The place of respondents lived in
Table 4.4.2 Feeling pressured and stress are one of the factors influencing mental
illness
Table 4.4.3 Abusive among teenagers affect teenagers mental health
Table 4.6.1 Students should have a time table to make sure their time is organized
Table 4.6.2 Taking a good care of themselves are one of the recommendation to
prevent mental illness
Table 4.3.5 Mental illness among teenagers are dangerous
Table 4.3.6 Teenagers nowadays should get expose to the mental illness problems
Table 4.3.7 Mental illness can be treat
7
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Mental illness also called as mental disorder, psychiatric disorder or
psychological disorder is condition that affect a person thinking, feeling and mood.
Mental illness also is a diagnosis by a mental health pattern that may cause suffering
or a poor ability to function in life. Moreover, mental illness also is a disease that
causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an ability
to cope with things happened in life. Most people believe that mental illness are rare
and “happen to someone else”. In fact, mental illness are common and widespread.
Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental
health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause
frequent stress and affect your ability to function. Although the symptoms of mental
illness can range from mild to worse depending on the type of mental illness, a person
with untreated mental illness often is unable to cope with life’s daily routines and
demands. A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your
daily life.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and
adolescence through adulthood. In Malaysia specifically, teenagers mostly under 15
years old more vulnerable to get expose to mental illness. Students suffered from
mental illness is on the rise and keep increasing by the day. This is one of the
common issues and problems that are popular among Malaysian’s news. Mental
illness among teenagers isn’t a thing that can be taken lightly and we as a citizen need
to take this thing as a their main concern. Generally, mental illness can be happen
around our children and can be affected during their childhood’s life.
8
The causes of mental illness are often unclear. There are more than two hundred
classified forms of mental illness. Disorders affection teenagers may includes anxiety
disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders,
bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Mental health
problem may be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of
events. Mental illnesses may causes by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic
factors, biochemical imbalances or a combination of this.
Other than that, helping teenagers specifically and the role as their parents
may prevent the development of disorder. Once mental illness develops among
teenagers it will become more difficult to treat. Even though we knew how to treat
(thought not yet cure) many disorders, many children with mental illness are not
getting treatment.
The Health Ministry’s statistic reveals that mental health problems involving
the group of teenagers is on the rise to 13% in 1996, 19.4% in 2006 and 20% last year
based on the report calculated every 10 years. According to the World Health
Organization, mental disorders account for 27% of the disease burden in developed
countries in the region. Mostly health surveys also showed that mental illness occurs
in one of five people or 20% of the world population each year.
When adolescents are depressed, they have a tough time believing that their
outlook can improve day by day but professional treatment can have a dramatic
impacts on their daily life. It can put them back on the track and bring them hope for
the future.
9
1.2 Research problem
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress,
relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life,
from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. In our life, if we experience
mental health problems, our thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.
There are many different mental health problems, and many symptoms are
common
to
more
than
one
diagnosis.
Such
as
depression,
anxiety,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, eating problems, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia and personality disorder.
A common plague of mental health stigma is the idea that the disorders are
a fallacy that’s “all in a person’s head.” In reality, mental illness is far from a
person’s control, and only 25 percent of people with a mental illness feel like
others are understanding or compassionate about their condition, according to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to our research, we found the key statistics about children and
young people's mental health and well-being. 1 in 10 children and young people
aged 5 - 16 suffer from a mental health disorder - that is around three children in
every class. Between 1 in every 12 and 1 in 15 children and young people
deliberately self-harm. There has been a big increase in the number of young
people being admitted to hospital because of self harm. Over the last ten years this
figure has increased by 68%. More than half of all adults with mental health
problems were diagnosed in childhood. Less than half were treated appropriately at
the time. Nearly 80,000 children and young people suffer from severe depression.
Over 8,000 children aged under 10 years old suffer from severe depression. 72% of
10
children in care have behavioral or emotional problems - these are some of the
most vulnerable people in our society. 95% of imprisoned young offenders have a
mental health disorder. Many of them are struggling with more than one disorder.
The number of young people aged 15-16 with depression nearly doubled between
the 1980s and the 2000s. The proportion of young people aged 15-16 with a
conduct disorder more than doubled between 1974 and 1999.
Therefore we want to study the factors of mental illness which is rampant
among teenagers who grew up. When mental illness is involved, it may be difficult
to differentiate "normal teenage behavior" from the symptoms of depression,
anxiety and other emotional difficulties. Some concerning behaviors is when
teenagers decrease in enjoyment and time spent with friends and family.
Next, they will have problems with memory, attention or concentration that
can effect their education and focus in class. However, the teenagers will feel
hopelessness, sadness, anxiety and crying often. The teenager who is affected by
the mental illness is overly suspicious of others. Lastly, the patient offense to sees
or hears things others do not. It's important to remember that no one sign means
that there is a problem. The teenage years can be the most difficult for a parent.
In conclusion, there are many factors influencing the mental illness among
teenagers likes stress or feeling pressure, abusive among teenagers, low
self-esteem, physical ill health and poor parenting in their life. The mostly
influencing the mental illness among teenagers is stress or feeling pressure. This
can cause many teens will be classified as mentally ill. Therefore, we need to curb
this problem so it does not become a big issue in the future. These are just a few
ways to prevent the mental illness to be occurs among teenagers likes make time
table, take good care of themselves and talking to someone about their problem.
11
1.3 Research objectives
Based on the research problems, the main purposes that we want to study are:

To identify the factors influencing mental illness among teenager in Malaysia.

To identify which factor is mostly influencing mental illness among teenagers in
Malaysia.

To provide recommendations for teenager in Malaysia to overcome and prevent
from experiencing mental illness.
12
1.4 Scope of study
This research was conducted to identify the information about mental illness
that affects teenagers. In order to complete the research about mental illness issues,
we chose the certain locations which has a high population of teenagers. In order to
fulfill our research objectives, questionnaires are our alternative to be distribute to the
teenagers.
We will make our survey around Selangor and Penang which is our main
primary locations. 40 secondary students will be our main target in our research. On
top of that, we will choose four secondary schools in Selangor and Penang which is
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Alam Megah, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kapar
Indah, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Al-Irshad and Sekolah Menengah
Kebangsaan Puncak Alam.
13
1.5 Limitation of study
There are several limitations of this study which are identified in order to
complete the research. Due to this situation, cautious step is taken to avoid these
factors from affecting the result of this research.
1) Limited time / time constraints
Have a shortage of time to complete the task. Given time is very limited.
2) Lack of transport
Have a limited transportation problems. We do not have our own transport, so
we
used public transport indeed.
3) Availability of the secondary data
We are having difficulty to get additional information from the websites and lack of
journals or articles regarding the mental illness among teenagers.
4) Lack of experience
We do not have experience conducting thesis besides lack of knowledge. This is quite
difficult to conduct the research because we also lack of ability to collect additional
data.
14
CHAPTER 2: BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Literature review is about mental illness occurs among teenager. Mental
illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions disorders that affect your
mood, thinking and behavior. Many people have mental health concerns from time to
time but a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and
symptoms caused frequent stress and affect your ability to function. A mental illness
can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life. In most cases, the
early symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and talk therapy
(psychotherapy).
Mental illness among teenager is one of the issue arising among daily
Malaysian’s news. Mental illness among teenager isn’t a thing that can be taken
lightly and we as a citizen need to take it as their main concern. Generally, mental
illness can be happens around our children and can be affected during their childhood.
So, that is why the exposure towards the mental illness are important.
15
2.2 Research framework
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
DEPENDENT VARIABLES
1) Factors influencing mental illness
among teenagers.
a) Low self-esteem
b) Abusive
c) Stress or feeling pressure
2) Factor mostly influencing
Mental illness
mental
illness among teenagers is stress or
feeling pressure.
3) Recommendations
16
2.3 Mental illness among teenagers
Measures of young people's mental health vary from study to study. Some
researchers see mental health as encompassing a combination of outcomes such as the
youth's self-concept, reading ability and life skills (Amato & Ochiltree, 1987). Other
researchers have chosen academic indicators of performance such as reading,
mathematical ability and behavioral problems (Cherlin et al., 1991; Svanum, Bringle
& McLaughlin, 1982). Anxiety, depression and delinquency which are indicators of
mental health problems have been used (Kalter, 1977, Pedro-Carrol, Cowen,
Hightower & Guare, 1986). Finally, others also consider anti-social behaviors such as
sexual problems and drug involvement to be indicators of youth adjustment (Gibson,
1969).
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder,
circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions,
thoughts and behaviors. Examples of signs and symptoms of mental illness are feeling
sad or down and confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate. They also feel
significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping at night. If they want to find
some hush they involve in drug abuse and alcohol. Sometimes symptoms of a mental
health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain,
headache, or other unexplained aches and pains. (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,
US)
University Malaya consultant psychiatrist Assoc Prof Dr Ng Chong Guan said
more boys tend to develop acute mental illnesses before the age of six compared to
girls. These include hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder. The difference in numbers between girls and boys, however,
17
evens out between the ages of six and 18. “The mental illnesses vary depending on the
individual’s age. Teenagers develop moderate mental illnesses like phobia and
addiction as well as acute anxiety disorders” (Prof Dr Ng Chong Guan)
Dr Ng said one of the factors causing the younger generation to suffer from
mental illnesses was the drastic change of upbringing as the mental capacity of many
youths was not parallel with the maturity of their mental age as they tend to outsmart
themselves when it came to making decisions. (Prof Dr Ng Chong Guan). “Youths
these days easily breakdown as they are unable to adapt to challenges and tend to
think too far and deep. Their emotional levels cannot cope with their thoughts, forcing
them to adopt to new mechanisms to defend themselves.” (Prof Dr Ng Chong Guan)
Health Ministry statistics reveal a worsening state of mental health problems
among Malaysian students, from one in 10 individuals in 2011 to one in five in 2016.
A prolonged state of mental health problems could make students become withdrawn,
suffer from schizophrenia and develop the inclination to commit suicide. (Dr Mohd
Suhaimi Mohamad). The 2011 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS)
revealed 13 per cent of children and adolescents were found to have mental health
problems in 1996, rising to 19.3 per cent in 2006 and to 20 per cent in 2011. In 2006,
11.2 per cent of adults suffered mental health problems compared to 10.6 per cent in
1996. The survey showed 1.7 per cent Malaysians had generalized anxiety disorder,
1.8 per cent suffered depression, 1.7 per cent had suicidal ideation (the idea of
committing suicide), 0.9 per cent with suicidal plans and 0.5 per cent attempted
suicide.( National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS)).
The mental illness has some classes that we don’t know. The main classes of
mental illness are underdevelopment disorders. This class covers a wide range of
18
problems that usually begin in infancy or childhood, often before the child begins
grade
school.
Examples
include
autism
spectrum
disorder,
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders. The next
class is schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Psychotic disorders
cause detachment from reality such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized
thinking and speech. The most notable example is schizophrenia, although other
classes of disorders can be associated with detachment from reality at times. (National
Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI)
Anxiety disorders also one of the classes of the mental illness. Anxiety is an
emotion characterized by the anticipation of future danger or misfortune, along with
excessive worrying. It can include behavior aimed at avoiding situations that cause an
anxiety. This class includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias.
Some patient suffer the mental illness named obsessive-compulsive and related
disorders where is these disorders involve preoccupations or obsessions and repetitive
thoughts and actions. For examples include obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding
disorder and hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania). (National Alliance on Mental
Illness, NAMI)
The other class of the mental illness is somatic symptom and related disorders. A
person with one of these disorders may have physical symptoms with no clear
medical cause, but the disorders are associated with significant distress and
impairment. The disorders include somatic symptom disorder (previously known as
hypochondriasis) and factitious disorder. Besides, the illness also named sleep-wake
disorders. These are disorders of sleep severe enough to require clinical attention,
such as insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Lastly, the illness is called
substance-related and addictive disorders. These include problems associated with the
19
excessive use of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and drugs. This class also includes
gambling disorder. (National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI).
20
2.4 Factors influencing mental illness among teenagers
Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It can be seen as
a state of mental health that allows one to flourish and fully enjoy life. Most mental
health professionals believe that there are a variety of contributing factors to the onset
of a mental illness
Everyone experiences down times in life. The ability to cope with negative
experiences varies greatly from one person to another and, in large part, determines
whether people enjoy their lives. There are some factors that influencing mental
illness among teenagers. First is low self-esteem, shyness, lack of confident, negative
thinking, insecurity, antisocial behavior, Poor social skills: communication and
problem-solving skills. A person with low self-esteem has a low regard for
themselves, which can manifest itself in traits such as indecision, hypersensitivity to
criticism and guilt. Whilst low self-esteem does not make up a condition alone, in
combination with other symptoms it can point to conditions including to anxiety,
depression, bipolar disorder and personality disorders. (Mann, M; Hosman, CM;
Schaalma, HP; de Vries, NK (2004). "Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for
mental health promotion". Health Education Research. 19 (4): 357–72.)
Second factor is the abusive among teenagers. Abuse can be in anything
whether in mentally abuse or physically abuse. The mental health of abused among
teenagers is at great risk. Abused teenagers are more likely to experience mental
disorders or mental illness during adulthood. Teenagers are at a risk because their
growth hormone are not stable. Abuse may be physical, sexual, psychological or
verbal. It may not always be evident or easily recognized. Regardless of the form it
takes, abuse cannot be tolerated. (O'Connell, Mary Ellen; Boat, Thomas; Warner,
21
Kenneth E., eds. (2009). "Table E-4 Risk Factors for Anxiety". Prevention of Mental
Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Problem Behaviors: A Developmental Perspective.
National Academies Press)
The third factor is stress or feeling pressure. For teenagers, the thing that
contribute to mental illness is feeling stress and pressure during their examination day.
This is the most common factor that lead to have a mental illness problem. They
usually studied too hard without having a normal lifestyle. They sleep lately and too
much focusing on anything that can be really stressful at one time. ( Spataro, J;
Mullen, PE; Burgess, PM; Wells, DL; Moss, SA (2004). "Impact of child sexual
abuse on mental health: prospective study in males and females". The British Journal
of Psychiatry. 184: 416–21) (Maughan, B.; McCarthy, G. (1997). "Childhood
adversities and psychosocial disorders". British Medical Bulletin. 53 (1): 156–69)
(Teicher MH, Samson JA, Polcari A, McGreenery CE (June 2006). "Sticks, stones,
and hurtful words: relative effects of various forms of childhood maltreatment". Am J
Psychiatry. 163 (6): 993–1000.) (Pirkola, Sami; Isometsä, Erkki; Aro, Hillevi; Kestilä,
Laura; Hämäläinen, Juha; Veijola, Juha; Kiviruusu, Olli; Lönnqvist, Jouko (2005).
"Childhood adversities as risk factors for adult mental disorders". Social Psychiatry
and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 40 (10): 769–77.)
22
2.5 Factor mostly influencing mental illness among teenagers
Based on the report that we have collected from the previous information about
the factors influencing, we can conclude that among those factors there is one factor
that is mostly influencing mental illness among teenagers. The mostly influencing
factor is stress and feeling pressure.
When teenagers are stressed they may experience many different feelings,
including anxiety, fear, anger, frustration and depression. These feelings can feed on
each other and can themselves produce physical symptoms, making you feel even
worse. Teenagers usually tend to behave when they are suffering the early stage of
mental illness.
Adolescence is a stressful time for many kids. Stress in teens has been linked to
withdrawal, aggression, risky behavior, and substance abuse. A recent study from the
government helps shed some light on why mental illness in young adults is so
common and how it occurs. Working with young mice known to have genes for
mental illness, researchers were able to trigger signs and symptoms of mental illness
by exposing the mice to stress.
Stress can be a trigger for severe depression in teens and may trigger mental
illness in young adults who are vulnerable. The adolescent brain is more sensitive to
stress hormones and can suffer damage from stress that lasts into adulthood. On the
other hand, because the adolescent brain is developing so rapidly, good habits for
coping with stress also can last into adulthood.
23
2.6 Recommendations
Health is defined as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity" by World Health Organization
(WHO). To improve health, the promotion of health, prevention of disease,
impairment, and disability, and the treatment of disease are required. However, the
values of mental health promotion and illness prevention have been under appreciated
more than those of physical health to date with regards to mental health. This is in line
with that research on mental health has been weighted heavily on parapsychologist
and mental illnesses rather than well-being or optimal functioning.
Although
separate strategies from treatment are needed for mental health promotion and
prevention of mental illnesses, psychiatrists are not usually accustomed to these
concepts and approaches.
We have some recommendation to prevent the mental illness to be occurs among
teenagers. Firstly, we suggest that teenagers especially student must have a time table
to make sure their time is organized. As all know, students are very busy with their
homework or assignment and they do not have enough time to settle all their work. It
is because the deadline to send all their assignments and homework are very brief and
they cannot handle their work properly. If they make a time table, they will have
proper plan to finish all their work.
Next, the teenagers must take good care of themselves. As the teenagers, they
love to stay up all night to watch movies or dramas or enjoying their ‘internet burung
hantu’ which is starting from 1a.m. until 7a.m. We must have the sufficient sleep to
gain some energy to work in the morning. We also having healthy eating and do
regular physical activity. Teenagers must reduce eating unhealthy food such as sugary
24
drink, oily food, fast food and more. Therefore, they must do regular physical such as
jogging two times a week.
Lastly, if you have the problems, try to talking to someone about your problems.
Talking to people about any problems you have can be useful. There are a different
ways that you can offload or chat to someone about how you’re feeling. You can tell
to someone that you trust about your problems. That person maybe can help you to
find solution about your problems. If they cannot find the solution, you can meet the
counselor perhaps he or she can help you.
25
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presents a description of the research used in the study. For
example, the population, sampling method, data collection method and questionnaire
instruments used in our research. This study will determine the outcomes of our
research and show whether the outcomes will be in a good or a bad result. In this
study, we will present the outcomes in details and more specifics.
26
3.2 Population
The population of a study basically refers to the total number of people in the
form of a thorough headcount off all elements the findings of the study seeks to
represent. A clearly defined population ensures that the results and findings apply to
the correct category of elements in the research. Considering that the research
basically assesses the mental illness among teenagers, the population of the study is
all the high school students in Selangor and Penang.
We select two targeted placed to carry out our research using 40 sets of
questionnaires. Our targeted people aged around 12 years old until 17 years old. Our
topic specifically choose teenagers as our main target to do the research. We carry out
the survey and distribute the questionnaires outside the school after they finished their
school at that day.
27
3.3 Collection Data Method
There are many ways to collect data such as questionnaires, surveys, checklists,
interview and so on. The method that we use is questionnaire to collect data about
mental illness among teenagers. We use this method because we need to quickly to
get a lot of information from people in a nonthreatening way. We make the
questionnaire short, simple, and clearly worded questions. Then we distribute to the
student at school.
We give to the student our questionnaire in the vicinity of the school and leave
them to answer. Then we take the questionnaire back and gather with the other. Each
person distribute ten questionnaire, it means a whole has a 40 questionnaire. The
percentage that answer the questionnaire is 100%. They answered all the questions.
PART
DETAILS
TOTAL ITEMS
A
BACKGROUND OF RESPONDENTS
3
B
C
D
E
FACTORS INFLUENCING MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG
TEENAGERS
FACTORS MOSTLY INFLUENCING MENTAL
ILLNESS AMONG TEENAGERS
RECOMMENDATION TO PREVENT MENTAL
ILLNESS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
28
3
1
3
6
3.4 Questionnaire sample
Part A
1. How old are you?
□ 12 - 13 years old
□ 14 - 15 years old
□ 16 - 17 years old
□ Others………….
2. What type of gender are you?
□ Male
□ Female
3. Where do you live?
□ City
□ Village
□ Overseas
□ Others…………..
4. Do you aware the mental illness problem among teenagers?
□ Yes
□ No
□ Not sure
□ Others…………..
5. How do you come to know about the mental illness problem among teenagers?
□ Advertisement
□ Friends
□ Internet/media social
□ Others…………..
29
Part B
Please circle one number
Strongly
Agree
Not sure
Disagree
Strongly
for each questions
agree
1. Do you agree that
mental illness is affecting
teenagers nowadays?
2. Do you think that
mental illness among
teenagers are dangerous?
3. Do you agree teenagers
nowadays
should
get
expose to the mental
illness problems?
4. Do you think a person
with low self-esteem can
contribute to the mental
illness problem?
5.Do you agree that feeling
pressure and stress are one
of the factors influencing
mental illness among
teenagers?
6.Abusive
among
teenagers also affects
teenagers mental health.
What do you think?
7.Do you agree that
student must have a time
table to make sure their
time is organized?
8. What do you think of
taking a good care of
themselves as one of the
recommendation
to
prevent mental illness?
9. Do you agree mental
illness among teenagers
can be treat?
10. In general, I get a lot of
information about mental
illness among teenagers.
What do you think?


















































disagree
30
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH FINDING ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the analysis of data followed by a discussion of the
research findings. The findings relate to the research questions that guided the study.
Data were analyzed to identify, describe and explore the mental illness issues among
teenagers. Data were obtained from self-administered questionnaires, completed by
40 respondents mostly from high school students. Almost 100% set of questionnaires
have been answered and there is no questionnaires being rejected.
31
4.2 Section A
4.2.1. The age of the respondents
FIGURE 4.2.1 The age of the respondents
According to the pie chart above, we have calculated 40 respondent’s age
through the questionnaires. Based on the research, we concluded that 55% comes
from age 16-17 years old, while 27% represented 14-15 years old, 13% represented
others ages and 5% represented 12-13 years old.
32
4.2.2. The gender of the respondents
T
FIGURE 4.2.2 The gender of the respondents
Based on the pie chart, the percentage for female respondents are more than male
respondents. Female respondents achieved 58% while male respondents achieved
only 42% compared to the overall percentage.
33
4.2.3. The place of respondents lived in
PLACE
PERCENTAGE (%)
City
67.5%
Abroad
5%
Rural
27.5%
Others
-
TABLE 4.2.3 The place of respondents lived in
Based on the table above, there is a high percentage for teenagers who lived on
city which is 67.5% compared to teenagers who live in rural area 27.5% and teenagers
who lived abroad which is only 5%.
34
4.3 Section B
4.3.1. A person with low self-esteem can contribute to the mental illness problem
FIGURE 4.4.1 A person with low self-esteem can contribute to the mental illness problem
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to a person with low
self-esteem can contribute to the mental illness problem. There were 37.5% of
respondents whom were not sure, 32.5% of respondents that were agreed, 17.5%
whom were strongly agreed, 10% of respondents disagreed and 2.5% of respondents
whom were strongly disagreed. It shows that the frequency of respondents whom
were not sure is highest than other respondents.
35
4.3.2. Feeling pressured and stress are one of the factors influencing mental
illness
RESULTS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE (%)
STRONGLY AGREED
13
32.5
AGREED
24
60
NOT SURE
3
7.5
DISAGREED
0
0
0
0
STRONGLY
DISAGREED
TABLE 4.4.2 Feeling pressured and stress are one of the factors influencing mental
illness
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to feeling pressure and
stress are one of the factors influencing mental illness. There were 24 respondents that
were agreed, 13 respondents whom were strongly agreed, 3 respondents are not sure
and 0 respondent whom was disagreed and strongly disagreed. It shows that
frequency of respondents whom were agreed is highest than other respondents.
36
4.3.3. Abusive among teenagers affect teenagers mental health
RESULTS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE (%)
9
22.5
AGREED
18
45
NOT SURE
13
32.5
DISAGREED
0
0
0
0
STRONGLY
AGREED
STRONGLY
DISAGREED
TABLE 4.4.3 Abusive among teenagers affect teenagers mental health
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to abusive among teenagers
affects teenagers mental health. There were 18 respondents were agreed, 13
respondents whom were not sure, 9 respondents whom were strongly agreed, and
there was 0 respondent whom was disagreed and strongly disagreed. It shows that
frequency of respondents whom were agreed is the highest than other respondents.
37
4.4 Section C
4.4.1 Mostly Influencing factors among teenagers
FIGURE 4.5.1 Mostly influencing factors among teenagers
The pie chart above is about respondent profile regarding to mostly influencing
factors among teenagers. Stress and pressure are the most influencing factor that are
44.05% respondent agree with it. There were 32.14% of respondents were voting for
abusive and 23.81% of respondents voting for low self-esteem.
38
4.5 Section D
4.5.1. Students should have a time table to make sure their time is organized
RESULTS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE (%)
7
17.5
AGREED
26
65
NOT SURE
6
15
DISAGREED
1
2.5
0
0
STRONGLY
AGREED
STRONGLY
DISAGREED
TABLE 4.6.1 Students should have a time table to make sure their time is organized
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to student should have a
time table to make sure their time is organized. There were 26 respondents whom
were agreed, 7 respondents whom were strongly agreed, 6 respondents not sure, 1
respondent was disagreed and 0 respondent whom was strongly disagreed. It show
that frequency of respondents whom were agreed is the highest than other
respondents.
39
4.5.2. Taking a good care of themselves are one of the recommendation to
prevent mental illness
RESULTS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE (%)
7
17.5
AGREED
23
57.5
NOT SURE
9
22.5
DISAGREED
1
2.5
0
0
STRONGLY
AGREED
STRONGLY
DISAGREED
TABLE 4.6.2 Taking a good care of themselves are one of the recommendation to prevent
mental illness
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to taking a good care of
themselves is one of the recommendation to prevent mental illness. There were 23
respondents whom were agreed, 9 respondents that were not sure, 7 respondents
whom were strongly agreed, 1 respondent disagreed and 0 respondent whom was
strongly disagreed. It shows that frequency of respondents whom were agreed is
highest than other respondents.
40
4.5.3. People get a lot of information about mental illness problem among
teenagers
FIGURE 4.6.3 People get a lot of information about mental illness problem among
teenagers
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to people get a lot of
information about mental illness among teenagers. There were 42.5% of respondents
were agreed, 37.5% of respondents whom were not sure, 17.5% of respondents whom
were strongly agreed, 2.5% of respondents were disagreed and 0% of respondent
strongly disagreed. It shows that frequency of respondents whom were agreed is
highest than the other respondents.
41
4.6 Section E
4.6.1. Respondents awareness about mental illness among teenagers
TABLE 4.3.1 Respondents awareness about mental illness among teenagers
From the diagram above, we can show that mostly teenagers are agreed about
the awareness about mental illness among teenagers. The percentages achieved 72.5%
which is high compared than teenagers who answered no 2.5% and not sure 8%.
42
4.6.2. The sources about the mental illness problem among teenagers information
FIGURE 4.3.2 The sources about mental illness problem among teenagers information
According to the pie chart above, mostly respondents know about the mental
illness issues among teenagers are from internet and also media social. This happens
because teenagers nowadays are more on surfing internet rather than reading a
newspaper. The percentage for internet and media social has achieved 50% rather
than friends 33%, others 10% and 7% advertisement.
43
4.6.3. Mental illness are affecting teenagers nowadays
TABLE 4.3.4 Mental illness are affecting teenagers nowadays
The pie chart above is about respondent profile regarding to mental illness are
affecting teenagers nowadays. There were 52.5% of respondents whom were agreed, ,
22.5% of respondents that were not sure, 22.5% of respondents that were strongly
disagreed, 2.5% of respondents were disagreed and 0% of respondent whom was
strongly agreed . It shows that the frequency of respondents whom were agreed is
highest than other respondents.
44
4.6.4 Mental illness among teenagers are dangerous
RESULTS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE (%)
17
42.5
AGREED
14
35
NOT SURE
8
20
DISAGREED
1
2.5
0
0
STRONGLY
AGREED
STRONGLY
DISAGREED
TABLE 4.3.5 Mental illness among teenagers are dangerous
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to mental illness among
teenagers are dangerous. There were 17 respondents whom strongly agreed, 14
respondents whom agreed, 8 respondents were not sure, 1 respondent that was
disagreed and nobody whom were strongly disagreed. It shows that the frequency of
respondents whom were strongly agreed is highest than other respondents.
45
4.6.5. Teenagers nowadays should get expose to the mental illness problems
RESULTS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE (%)
11
24.5
AGREED
22
55
NOT SURE
6
15
DISAGREED
0
0
1
2.5
STRONGLY
AGREED
STRONGLY
DISAGREED
TABLE 4.3.6 Teenagers nowadays should get expose to the mental illness problems
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to teenagers nowadays
should get expose to the mental illness problems. There were 22 respondents whom
were agreed, 11 respondents whom were strongly agreed 6 respondents that were not
sure, 1 respondent whom was strongly disagreed and 0 respondent that were disagreed.
It shows that the frequency of respondent whom were agreed is the highest than other
respondents.
46
4.6.6. Mental illness can be treat
RESULTS
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE (%)
11
27.5
AGREED
18
45
NOT SURE
11
27.5
DISAGREED
0
0
0
0
STRONGLY
AGREED
STRONGLY
DISAGREED
TABLE 4.3.7 Mental illness can be treat
The table above is about respondent profile regarding to mental illness can be
treat. There were 18 respondents whom were agreed, 11 respondents whom were
strongly agreed, 11 respondents were not sure and 0 respondent disagreed and
disagreed. It shows that frequency of respondent whom were agreed is the highest
than the other respondents.
47
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
The following chapter concludes this report. A summary of the research is
presented and findings of the study are discussed and interpreted. The significance of
this research in the immediate context of mental illness among teenagers is examined.
Recommendations for further research end the chapter.
This chapter shows findings in chapter 1, based on a questionnaire that we have
collected. When we make a comparative study using secondary data and
questionnaires, the results from that shows not much difference. Then the research
objective from the respondents we elaborated in details. Last but not least, the
discussion and recommendations that we have got from the research on mental illness
among teenagers.
48
5.2 Findings
Based on our research in chapter 2 which secondary sources and chapter 4
which is primary factor sources, we found that the most influencing factor in mental
illness among teenagers is stress and feeling pressure. Teenagers are stress with their
study, family problems and more. Teenagers will be tempted to suffer mental illness.
There are many different mental health problems and many symptoms are
common
to
more
than
one
diagnosis
such
as
depression,
anxiety,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, eating problems, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia and personality disorder. We found the statistics that are 1 in 10
children aged 5-16 suffer from a mental health disorder.
The Health Ministry’s statistic reveal that mental health problems involving the
group rise to 13 percent in 1996, 19.4 percent in 2006 and 20 percent last year.
Depression will be one of the largest health problems worldwide by 2020. The
defining symptoms for each mental illness are detailed in Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric
Association.
49
5.3 Research objectives
In view of the research gaps identified, the following research objectives have
been developed. We have compared our research objectives with the information that
we got from the respondents.
Our first research objective is to identify factors influencing mental illness
among teenagers in Malaysia. Through our independent variables, the factors that we
have been discussed is low self-esteem, abusive among teenager and also stress or
feeling pressure. The outcomes from the respondent is relevant from what we have
target from the beginning because mostly respondents agreed with the factors.
Next, our second research objective is factor mostly influencing mental illness
among teenagers in Malaysia. From what we have got from the questionnaires and the
respondents’ responses, we can concluded that stress and feeling pressured is the
mostly influencing factor.
The last research objective is the recommendations. For recommendations, we
have suggested three recommendations. The first one is making a time table. Next is
take a good care of themselves and lastly is talking to someone. Based on our
questionnaires. We can concluded that mostly respondents chose making a time table
to make sure their time is organized as their choice.
50
5.4 Recommendation
Recommendation for further research is to create a better understanding
about the factors and effects of mental illness among teenagers who come from
families with a lower social status background. In terms of a process evaluation, the
results should be used to improve the research. In this regard, the views and
perspectives of all parties, including program providers, teachers, pupils and their
parents should be used and integrated into the evaluation process.
The research study shows that different strategies should be used
simultaneously to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Questionnaire data,
interviews and focus-group discussions with all participating parties ensure that all
views and opinions are considered. A continuous evaluation process should
nevertheless be established to ensure quality maintenance and appropriate reactions to
the needs of teenagers at risk in the future. Needs of children and teenagers with other
risk factors, such as living in one-parent households or having parents with mental
health problems, should also be taken into account for further studies and research
evaluation. The development of new measures for the special needs of this teenagers
should also be promoted. The case study has been able to point a number of other
challenges and problems that need to be addressed to improved in future research.
51
5.5 Conclusion
In most cases, people are not quick to understand the issues affecting them.
However, it always turns out that it is a serious illness that induces challenges in the
life of a person. Mental health conditions are very risky health hazards that should be
addressed with the appearance of the slightest symptoms. The problem of mental
disorders is very rampant and scary because only few people are able to acknowledge
that they have a problem and can take time to seek medical help. Despite being very
dangerous, most people have ignored the earliest signs only to find themselves in deep
trouble later on. It is no doubt that mental health disorders are a real threat to human
health and therefore, medical attention should be sought at the earliest signs of attack.
52
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APPENDIX
54