Impact of Black Teenagers Experiencing Depression
1
Task 2: Systems Dynamics Thinking in Mental Health Role Analysis
Mental Health Amongst Young Adults of Black Heritage in the UK
Mental health disparities among young adults of Black heritage in the UK have been well-documented in
various studies. This population, particularly those aged 18–30, faces unique challenges that contribute to
mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. According to research, young Black adults
experience mental health challenges at higher rates than their white counterparts due to factors such as
racial discrimination, socioeconomic inequality, and cultural stigma(SpringerLink)(Home). These challenges
are exacerbated by systemic barriers, including limited access to culturally competent mental health
services(SpringerLink).
Your task is to analyse these mental health disparities using Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) and Stock and
Flow Diagrams (SFDs). By leveraging a systems thinking approach, you will assess the interactions between
key factors contributing to poor mental health outcomes and propose potential interventions. Your goal is
to use these tools to provide insights into how different variables interact and to simulate the impact of
potential interventions aimed at improving mental health among Black British young adults.
Deliverables:
1. Causal Loop Diagram (CLD): Clearly labelled with all relevant variables and explanations for each feedback
loop.
2. Stock and Flow Diagram (SFD): Clearly labelled with stocks, flows, and feedback structures. Include a brief
description of how your model captures the dynamics of mental health over time.
3. Intervention Proposal: A summary of three interventions that you believe will have the most significant
impact on improving mental health outcomes. Use the CLD and SFD to support your argument.
4. Simulation (Optional): Use Vensim or another system dynamics simulation tool to simulate the outcomes of
the interventions over time. Show how each intervention changes the behaviour of the system.
Submission Guidelines:
• Use Vensim or any other system dynamics software to create the diagrams.
• Ensure that each diagram is clear, with appropriate labelling of feedback loops and
interactions between variables.
• Write a brief report summarizing your findings and discussing how the system dynamics
model provides insights into the complex mental health challenges faced by Black British
young adults.
IMPACT OF BLACK TEENAGERS EXPERIENCING DEPRESSION IN FOSTER CARE IN
LONDON
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
The issue of depression among black teenagers in foster care is multidimensional and
multi-faceted as such, needs a comprehensive and meticulous research. It is a topic that
revolves around mental health, race, teenage years, and foster care system which poses the
individual complexity of each of them resulting in multiple problems. London being one of the
developed countries that embrace inclusivity and diversity, requires a more elaborate
, Impact of Black Teenagers Experiencing Depression
understanding response to this issue. The foster
2 care system is created in order to give a proper
and suitable treatment to those kids who are not able to live with their biological parents
anymore due to different reasons, including abuse, negligence or inability of the parents (Font
and Gershoff, 2020). Nevertheless, the transition to being in foster care can be a frightful
moment for many teens, where they are taken away from their usual settings and placed in
unfamiliar homes. This unrest along with the difficulties of adolescence may pave the way for
mental problems to thrive or further aggravate existing ones.
According to Gatwiri and Anderson (2021), black teenagers in foster care navigate
through extra layers of complexities. Through systemic racism, displacement of cultural
aspects, and lack of representation in foster care, young people tend to be lonely, struggle with
identity, and have a low sense of belonging. These factors may aggravate the risk of depression
which is a mental health condition that is defined by chronic sadness, loss of interest, and a
wide array of cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms. The adverse effect of depression
experienced during the teenage years can be so debilitating, affecting academic performance,
social relationships, and general well-being. If not taken care of it would spiral down,
increasing the risk of self-harm, substance abuse, and other negative behaviors. Furthermore,
1
Task 2: Systems Dynamics Thinking in Mental Health Role Analysis
Mental Health Amongst Young Adults of Black Heritage in the UK
Mental health disparities among young adults of Black heritage in the UK have been well-documented in
various studies. This population, particularly those aged 18–30, faces unique challenges that contribute to
mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. According to research, young Black adults
experience mental health challenges at higher rates than their white counterparts due to factors such as
racial discrimination, socioeconomic inequality, and cultural stigma(SpringerLink)(Home). These challenges
are exacerbated by systemic barriers, including limited access to culturally competent mental health
services(SpringerLink).
Your task is to analyse these mental health disparities using Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) and Stock and
Flow Diagrams (SFDs). By leveraging a systems thinking approach, you will assess the interactions between
key factors contributing to poor mental health outcomes and propose potential interventions. Your goal is
to use these tools to provide insights into how different variables interact and to simulate the impact of
potential interventions aimed at improving mental health among Black British young adults.
Deliverables:
1. Causal Loop Diagram (CLD): Clearly labelled with all relevant variables and explanations for each feedback
loop.
2. Stock and Flow Diagram (SFD): Clearly labelled with stocks, flows, and feedback structures. Include a brief
description of how your model captures the dynamics of mental health over time.
3. Intervention Proposal: A summary of three interventions that you believe will have the most significant
impact on improving mental health outcomes. Use the CLD and SFD to support your argument.
4. Simulation (Optional): Use Vensim or another system dynamics simulation tool to simulate the outcomes of
the interventions over time. Show how each intervention changes the behaviour of the system.
Submission Guidelines:
• Use Vensim or any other system dynamics software to create the diagrams.
• Ensure that each diagram is clear, with appropriate labelling of feedback loops and
interactions between variables.
• Write a brief report summarizing your findings and discussing how the system dynamics
model provides insights into the complex mental health challenges faced by Black British
young adults.
IMPACT OF BLACK TEENAGERS EXPERIENCING DEPRESSION IN FOSTER CARE IN
LONDON
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
The issue of depression among black teenagers in foster care is multidimensional and
multi-faceted as such, needs a comprehensive and meticulous research. It is a topic that
revolves around mental health, race, teenage years, and foster care system which poses the
individual complexity of each of them resulting in multiple problems. London being one of the
developed countries that embrace inclusivity and diversity, requires a more elaborate
, Impact of Black Teenagers Experiencing Depression
understanding response to this issue. The foster
2 care system is created in order to give a proper
and suitable treatment to those kids who are not able to live with their biological parents
anymore due to different reasons, including abuse, negligence or inability of the parents (Font
and Gershoff, 2020). Nevertheless, the transition to being in foster care can be a frightful
moment for many teens, where they are taken away from their usual settings and placed in
unfamiliar homes. This unrest along with the difficulties of adolescence may pave the way for
mental problems to thrive or further aggravate existing ones.
According to Gatwiri and Anderson (2021), black teenagers in foster care navigate
through extra layers of complexities. Through systemic racism, displacement of cultural
aspects, and lack of representation in foster care, young people tend to be lonely, struggle with
identity, and have a low sense of belonging. These factors may aggravate the risk of depression
which is a mental health condition that is defined by chronic sadness, loss of interest, and a
wide array of cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms. The adverse effect of depression
experienced during the teenage years can be so debilitating, affecting academic performance,
social relationships, and general well-being. If not taken care of it would spiral down,
increasing the risk of self-harm, substance abuse, and other negative behaviors. Furthermore,
