Adolescent Research

Over the past week, I took a large amount of time to conduct more research for my personal benefit, both as an ISM student and an educated individual. This research extended to all aspects of forensic psychology. My membership of the American Psychological Association has proved to be a great help, as it provides me with resources to gain extensive insight into contemporary issues that reside in the studies of forensics and mental health. I have been doing research specifically in eyewitness testimony, recognizing and treating mental illness in teenagers, and juvenile criminal responsibility.

I was never especially interested in adolescent psychology until recently, thanks to hearing a few professionals share their experience with it. The more I study this subcategory, the more I understand how important it is. I have always seen the work of forensic psychologists as predominantly reactive, but now I am becoming exposed to the potential power it has. Kids are highly impressionable and most mental issues can be controlled, to some extent, if it is recognized early enough in the individual’s life.

Americans in the recent years have had to deal with the tragedy of gun violence inflicted by mentally ill students and teenagers. The solution to the issue is constantly debated from various standpoints and many people blame the ignorance towards mental illness as the leading issue to be addressed. Politics aside, the topic of mental health is a legitimate issue that does not receive enough attention. It is time that Americans recognize the cruciality of this, not only as a preventative measure against gun violence, but also for keeping the kids of today healthy and safe.