Design Thinking Strategies in Therapeutic Assessment of Adolescent Emotional Challenges

Abstract

The adolescent phase in every individual's life is faced with an array of developmental hurdles, among them being various emotional strains in one way or the other. This study sought to investigate these varied emotional challenges that this cohort battles in this phase of their lives. The study was conducted in a Senior High School in Kumasi, Ghana. This study's population consisted of:

• Adolescents aged between 13 and 20 years,
• Adolescents aged between 16 years and 19 years

The respondents were randomly sampled for this research. Through a non-structured interview and participant observations, data were gathered. Therapeutic solutions were sought through the adaptation of the Design Thinking Strategy processes. A 1:25-minute animated presentation was chosen and proposed through the ideation stages as an informative, educative piece of video that seeks to address the emotional challenges faced by adolescents to create awareness for both the said group and primary and secondary caregivers alike. The short video is also intended to educate caregivers safely and harmlessly. The results of this study revealed, majorly, among other concerns, the desire and need of most adolescents to be heard and understood by their parents and other primary caregivers.