PSYC FPX 1000 assessment 3

Applied Research in Psychology

Applied psychology involves scientific investigation focusing on solving genuine problems in society using creative techniques (Moreira et al., 2019). This study focuses on research concepts to be used in promoting an anti-marijuana crusade targeting youth. Using applied research enables us to borrow concepts from the theory of social cognition of behavior, theory of planned behavior, and psychoanalytic theory to craft a successful plan of awareness concerning marijuana prevention for youth (Carlini & Schauer, 2022).

Overview

Marijuana, an active ingredient found in the plant cannabis, is commonly used recreationally and has several medicinal uses. Despite the drug’s implications on both physical and mental health, as well as academic and professional opportunities, the increasing rate of marijuana use among adolescents is a serious issue. Statistics show around 9% of the United States population to be addicted to marijuana, and 37% of high school students having used it, out of which half became addicted to the substance. It is urgent to come up with anti-marijuana campaign strategies to ensure the physical and mental well-being of adolescents.

Proposed Solution to Marijuana Use Issue

The need for anti-marijuana campaigns arises because of the sobering increase in marijuana consumption by adolescents. Studies indicate that adolescents tend to inherit habits of substance consumption from societal elements, social media, and social circles (Testai et al., 2022). The consequences of marijuana consumption can be devastating, resulting in lower intelligence, decreased concentration, risky sexual habits, and other mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Understanding the attitudes of adolescents towards the consumption of marijuana is important in order to address this problem effectively. Talking to marijuana-addicted adolescents can provide poignant insights into their perceptions and attitudes towards marijuana, which can facilitate the creation of effective anti-marijuana campaign strategies that appeal to them (Chiu et al., 2021).

Adolescents are especially susceptible to drug addiction, including marijuana, due to complex psychological reasons such as peer pressure and hidden motivations (Ignaszewski, 2021). Hence, psychological principles should guide the design of anti-marijuana campaign strategies for adolescents.

Applying Theory to the Solution

The psychoanalytic theory, initiated by Sigmund Freud, explores early childhood experiences that determine behaviors from conscious and subconscious occurrences in the early years. The theory covers personality components such as id, ego, and superego. The id is driven by inborn urges, seeking pleasure while avoiding suffering or sorrow. The ego follows the reality principle, while the superego follows societal and environmental considerations in determining an individual’s mind and behavior (Oleksy, 2019).

Applying psychoanalytic theory to applied psychology, we can come up with anti-marijuana campaign ideas like:

• Highlighting the difference between social marijuana use and excessive use.
• Educating parents and teachers to reduce exposure of marijuana-addicted adolescents to non-addicted peers.
• Focusing on underlying causes for marijuana use, including childhood factors and insufficient parental attention and affection.
• Organizing open discussion forums with adolescents to understand their attitudes towards marijuana use and offer corrective information regarding its negative effects.
• Emphasizing the detrimental effect of marijuana on mental well-being.
• Utilizing social media platforms to spread the campaign, targeting teenagers who are driven by their social environment (superego aspect of personality).

Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being

A campaign against marijuana will have a positive impact on adolescents since their minds are at the developmental stage, making them susceptible to learning and behavior change. Educating them on the ill effects of marijuana on their lives and future careers will make them rethink its use. Discussion forums will also help adolescents to articulate their concerns, leading to mental stability and lower aggression. As a result, adolescents will be more able to concentrate on their studies and enjoy more meaningful lives. In addition, increased parental scrutiny and assistance due to the campaign will help reduce teenage marijuana use.

Conclusion

Teenagers tend to imitate behavior without completely understanding the potential outcomes. The general view held by some teenagers that marijuana use for leisure is harmless highlights the need for unique and specific anti-marijuana campaign efforts. Through incorporation of psychological theories such as the psychoanalytic theory in applied research, we can design effective campaigns to stem the use of marijuana among teenagers as well as influence their mental and physical health. 

PSYC FPX 1000 Assessment 3 Applied Research in Psychology

Oleksy, E. (2019). A brief review of Freudian and Jungian theories. The Downtown Review, 5(2). https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/tdr/vol5/iss2/4/

Scholtz, S. E., de Klerk, W., & de Beer, L. T. (2020). The use of research methods in psychological research: a systematized review. Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, 5(1). frontiersin. https://doi.org/10.3389/frma.2020.00001

Testai, F. D., Gorelick, P. B., Aparicio, H. J., Filbey, F. M., Gonzalez, R., Gottesman, R. F., Melis, M., Piano, M. R., Rubino, T., & Song, S. Y. (2022). Use of marijuana: effect on brain health: a scientific statement from the American heart association. Stroke, 53(4). https://doi.org/10.1161/str.0000000000000396