Finan, S. J., & Yap, M. B. H. (2021).

Engaging parents in preventive programs for

adolescent mental health: A socio‐ecological framework. Journal of Family

Theory & Review, 13(4), 515–527.

https://doi-org.wake.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/jftr.12440

General Summary

Jane Finan and Marie Yan highlight the importance parents play in adolescent

mental health. The article explains that many mental health concerns begin around age

14 and that preventive parenting programs could be a key in decreasing the risk of

adolescent mental health problems before they become a major issue in a child's life.

Parents are a major part of the children's lives and are the model for how their children

learn many things within their environment. The parenting styles they choose can

directly shape how a child learns to behave and what their state of mind and mental

health develops into. Unfortunately, although there seems to be evidence that supports

the effectiveness of such preventive programs, the authors reveal that recruitments for

parent participation rates are low. Finan and Yan attempt to further look into reasons for

low parents engagement which includes a socio-ecological approach, that takes a look

at five influences: intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public

policy.

Synthesis of Article and Findings

Finan and Yan’s article looks at the importance of parents and their relationship

to adolescents' development. Many of the consultation theories in our text have begun

to include consultants working with other parties that can include parents. When

working with children who have parents involved in their life, it would be wise to include
parents in the process and have them fully involved in the intervention stage, in order to

give the adolescent the best chance of success.

Limitations of the Article

A limitation of the article is that it seems to only focus on parents who would still

be together. It would be necessary to also focus on families with parents who are

divorced, are now blended, or also include parents who may be teen parents and have

other guardians involved in the decision-making process. This would change the

dynamics of the family and how parents would be able to get involved in the preventive

measures.

Implications for Counselors

A big portion of the article is spent on parental involvement in an adolescent's life

and developmental habits. Counselors always need to look at an adolescent's

environment, parenting styles, and any other relevant concerns. It is beneficial when all

guardians are involved in the process of helping a child and their mental health. Socio-

cultural factors are also relevant to factors that counselors include when gaining the full

picture of a client. The five influences that are previously mentioned are often

addressed during an initial intake and are questions that a consultant should also

address. Collaboration is important when consulting with others as everyone should be

on the same page, working towards a common goal.

Implications for Clients

According to the authors, it is imperative for parental involvement in preventive

programs for adolescents and mental health. Parents would have to be willing to

participate and change any needed habits to the benefit of their child. The adolescent
would also need to be receptive to change and willing to follow along with the parents.

Changes made because of the preventive program would inevitably bring changes

within the family system and everyone would need to be on board with them.

Polk, W., Hill, N. E., Price, M., Liang, B., Perella, J., & Savitz, R. M. (2020). Adolescent

profiles of marginalization and connection at school: Relations with academics

and mental health. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 30(Suppl 1), 209–225.

https://doi-org.wake.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/jora.12460

General Summary

The authors of this article go into detail on the role that the educational

environment plays in mental health among adolescents. The article highlights how

adolescence is marked by many changes that include exploration of social relationships

and feelings of belonging. The article also discusses the marginalization that can occur

between students and teachers, which can limit the ability of students to explore the

bounds of social relationships in a safe environment, while also negatively impacting the

adolescent's mental well-being. A study is reviewed on patterns related to

marginalization of students that include diverse cultural and racial backgrounds, and

while such experiences attribute to poor mental health, marginalization is also

associated with lower grades and behavioral issues.

Synthesis of Article and Findings

 The article's main focus is to bring light to how educational experiences can

impact mental well-being with students and also how important adolescents is when

learning and testing boundaries with social relationships. Teachers play a major role in

these instances, and can really make or break positive experiences for students. When

teachers act in a way that is unhelpful and marginalizes students, they are only

exacerbating potential behavioral issues and the odds of poor performance in school,

which can lead to things such as depression and anxiety. It is important to highlight the

role that teachers play in the mental well-being of students.

Limitations of the Article

A limitation of the article is how it chose a research study that largely is based on

surveying and reporting what students have said. It can be difficult to get an accurate

picture, as many students may not speak out or tell the full truth of a situation; some

students may also not care enough to speak out. Another limitation is that only one

school was the focus of the study and article, so more research should be done to get a

more accurate picture of marginalization and its connection to mental health and

educational performance among students.

Implications for Counselors

Counselors working as consultants could directly use the information from this

article to help them formulate goals and intervention methods when working with clients

who are adolescents struggling with issues related to marginalization and unfair

treatment from teachers. This information can also be helpful for consultants if they are

also working with parents and teachers, as an educational means on the impact and

importance school environment can have on an adolescent's well-being.

Implications for Clients

Just as the information in this article can be helpful to consultants as an

educational tool, it is also a way to help clients learn as well. Many consultees are in

need of information that can educate them on the problem at hand in order for them to

effectively implement interventions proposed during the consulting process.

O’Kane, D. (2011). A phenomenological study of child and adolescent mental health

consultation in primary care. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing,

18(2), 185–188. https://doi-org.wake.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/j.1365-

2850.2010.01635.x

General Summary

This article reviews adolescent mental health consultation among primary care

individuals such as school nurses. The article looks at a range of mental health issues

that such individuals may encounter, and how it would be beneficial for nurses and the

like to have more training on mental health consultation in order to better serve the

adolescent community. There are more cases of mental health concerns with

adolescents in general, as well as in a school setting, with not nearly enough trained

professionals to help the underserved population.

Synthesis of Article and Findings

 More individuals who are trained in the consultation process, as well as those

who receive additional help from consultants, are in a better position to help those in

need. Adolescents is a difficult time to maneuver through, and those who can help those

kids the most should be trained in mental health well-being and how to promote it.

Mental health consultation is a great tool that should be utilized more often but

unfortunately is often overlooked. The article also highlights that and can be used to

help professionals realize the value of consultation.

Limitations of the Article

The article only looks at school nurses as potentials for learning more about

consultation and the benefits of gaining more knowledge on mental health. However,

many other professionals would benefit as well such as primary care doctors, teachers,

and even parents and students. Also, only a small number of individuals were used for

the study, so there could be more research and studies done involving more

professionals and the benefits of learning about mental health.

Implications for Counselors

Consultants should be aware of the lack of individuals who are educated on the

importance of mental health. When working with consultees, it is imperative to gain an

accurate picture of their knowledge of the subject at hand, and appropriately educate

the people involved in the consultation process. Many counselors can be eager to help

their clients but are unaware of the knowledge that is needed to do so.

Implications for Clients

Clients must also be prepared to learn and educate themselves on mental health

as they will be the ones to fully implement the changes and have them continue past the
process of consultation. Clients should also be advocates for themselves when able in

order to receive the best care possible and to know when something is not working for

them. The authors see the role that school nurses and the like can play when education

is needed for clients to succeed.