The youth clientele of CDPs is particularly prone to anxiety symptoms. The anticipation of a future career is a crucial moment in the socio-emotional development of adolescents as they visualize themselves in the future and feel pressure to take action to bring this vision to reality. This moment can generate anxiety, especially if the youth does not have all the tools to control their emotions.
Dupuis, Dionne and Saussez examine the effectiveness of group interventions in reducing adolescent career anxiety. The research team draws on Vygotsky’s theoretical framework of cultural-historical psychology to shed new light on group interventions described in academic literature. Group interventions are more often assessed from a cognitive-behavioural perspective – one that focuses on the individual and the present moment, neglecting the influence of the social and historical environment on the individual’s reality.
The distinctive feature of Vygotsky’s approach is that it considers the impact of the social environment on human psychological development. It argues that emotional development is intimately linked to everyday activities and to the cultural context. This approach also recognizes the contribution of the group to the development of individual skills for managing emotions, such as anxiety. It anticipates that involving different people (practitioners and clients) in the process helps people to find tools and solutions to deal with negative emotions more effectively.
The critical review of the literature done by Dupuis, Dionne and Saussez first points out that few group programs are specifically aimed at preventing career choice anxiety. However, the research team found that group interventions had a positive impact on the well-being of the adolescent participants, leading to a reduction in anxiety symptoms overall.
An analysis of the group interventions from Vygotsky’s perspective reveals that career anxiety is intimately linked to the social context in which young people evolve. Anxiety is not just a matter of individual experience. It is also linked to the fact that society requires teenagers to make a choice about their future as soon as they leave high school, without considering their different stages of development.
According to Vygotsky, the intervention context also has an impact on its effectiveness. The group is a place of support and empathy, nurtured by peers and intervention. The critical literature review shows that the group promotes emotional development through learning and observation. More research should be done on the importance of knowledge transmission mechanisms in group intervention, including writing and talking, to make a more comprehensive evaluation of intervention programs.
Vygotski’s approach highlights the benefits of group intervention in reducing anxiety in adolescent clients. For CDPs conducting group workshops with youth, it may be a good idea to start by discussing the social causes for teenagers’ anxiety, to avoid placing the responsibility solely on the individual and their ability to regulate their emotions. By helping adolescents to recognize and name anxiety and its sources, CDPs give them concrete means of transforming this emotion into real agency.
Responses
I found this article very interesting and relevant since I work with youth who are transitioning into post-secondary studies.
Gen Z is the first generation to be raised on social media and what I mean by that, is that social media and global mass communication and information gathering as always been a part of their existence. This is great for multiple reasons but also creates a sense of overknowledge.
At the age of 40, I have lived through several recessions, inflation increases, and job insecurity, but never has that information been so widely distributed or talked about as it is today.
There is lots of talk about people not making a livable wage, or never being able to buy a house, etc. I can only imagine the additional stress this would add to a young person who is already feeling the pressure of their parent’s or guardian’s financial situation, and the increasing cost of post-secondary education.
I would love to see a study that focuses on the effects of global media and Gen Z predictions or views of their career and financial future.
Thanks for sharing this article and getting this conversation started!
Yes, we are finding students and families are more fearful and anxious about the future than ever. I like that this article highlights the need to address and design programs that help students move forward with curiosity and confidence to make good decisions for themselves.
I design career education resources for students as early as Grade 3 because the research shows that is broadens aspirations, challenges gender stereotypes and increases their social capital. I hope that it’s ok to share my instagram post about how I work with students and families around anxiety.
I love to connect with other career educators who are opening doors of possibilities to young people. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1KydkNPiiz/