Since the human psyche is so malleable (in my opinion), it's easy to lead people into thinking or feeling certain ways. This is the basis of public relations. Also, in my (humble) opinion, the people developing TeenScreen probably know this, although there's no way I could prove it. I'm formulating a mental health screening of my own with questions like these:
1. Have you ever noticed a colorful sunset and become overcome with feelings of awe?
2. Have you ever had a friend do a favor for you and you've been struck by a feeling of gratitude?
3. Have you ever done well on a test and been inspired to tackle a project that had seemed impossible before?
4. Have you ever spontaneously thought you're lucky to have such a great mom or dad after a fun family outing?
I'll bet after answering 50 or so questions such as these the mental health percentage would be much greater than the approximate 67% (calculated from the 33% ''positive'' for mental illness) that TeenScreen now finds.
Maybe I'm way off, but I believe you find what you're looking for. If you're looking for mental illness, you'll certainly find it. Especially if you bias your questions. On the other hand, if you're looking for mental health, you'll find that also. Not only that, you can reinforce it by formulating your questions to reward it.
But what do I know?
1. Have you ever noticed a colorful sunset and become overcome with feelings of awe?
2. Have you ever had a friend do a favor for you and you've been struck by a feeling of gratitude?
3. Have you ever done well on a test and been inspired to tackle a project that had seemed impossible before?
4. Have you ever spontaneously thought you're lucky to have such a great mom or dad after a fun family outing?
I'll bet after answering 50 or so questions such as these the mental health percentage would be much greater than the approximate 67% (calculated from the 33% ''positive'' for mental illness) that TeenScreen now finds.
Maybe I'm way off, but I believe you find what you're looking for. If you're looking for mental illness, you'll certainly find it. Especially if you bias your questions. On the other hand, if you're looking for mental health, you'll find that also. Not only that, you can reinforce it by formulating your questions to reward it.
But what do I know?
