D. Application of Content areas
The Rethinking Mental Illness program will address several family life education areas:
• Families and Individuals in Societal Contexts which focuses on how families are affected and are influenced by society (David & Michael, 2009, p. 113), will be addressed through discussion on society’s views on mental illness. Future demographic trends as well as contextual influences on families dealing with mental illness in our society will be explored.
• Internal Dynamics of Families which focuses on internal movement of the family (David …show more content…
131), will be addressed through the discussion of the developmental changes in the brain (both typical and atypical) of individuals in families across the life span. These changes and their affects upon mental illness are still not fully understood.
• Interpersonal Relationships which focuses on our interactions with those we have developed personal relationships with (David & Micheal, 2009, p. 153), will be addressed through a family session that focuses on these relationships. Individuals and families will learn about interpersonal communication skills and how they differ from person to person. The program will cover participants’ listening skills, provide self-disclosure, and demonstrate how conflicts are resolved.
• Parent Education and Guidance which focus on the influence parents and children have on each other (David & Micheal, 2009, p. 173), the will be addressed through the family session where young adults and their families will learn how parents teach, guide, and influence young adults. The changing nature, dynamics, and needs of the parent-child relationship across the life span will be …show more content…
Overall Goals and SMART Objectives
The overall goals of the Rethinking Mental Illness program is for young adult students and their families struggling with mental illness to develop a deeper understanding of mental illness. As a result of this program, young adults with mental illness and their families will improve their communication skills and develop a strong support system to handle and prevent future crises.
Our SMART Objectives are:
• By the end of this program, 70% of participants will know the symptoms of mental illness are separate from the individual who has the illness and mental illness is no one’s fault (via post-test evaluation).
• By the end of the program, 70% of participants will be able to correctly identify three steps to manage crises brought on by the symptoms of mental illness (via a post-test evaluation).
• By the end of the program, 70% of the participants will know what living in recovery means via a post-test question.
• By the end of the program 70% of the participants agree that they will be more aware of the support services that are available for individuals struggling with mental illness and the rights they have as patients (via a post-test