The Psychology International Conference [PSYCIC ] 2025

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/4384

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 32

Open Access
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis on Sri Lankan Female Audiences Regarding Psychological Impact of Korean Dramas
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Handapangoda, C.A; Ponnamperuma, L
Korean Dramas (K-Dramas) have emerged as a prominent form of entertainment, with various storylines featured in nearly all productions. However, exposure to these narratives can cultivate unrealistic expectations, potentially inducing emotional distress when viewers’ anticipations are unmet. This study aimed to explore the psychological experiences of Sri Lankan female viewers, focusing on the emotionalresponses elicited by general K-Drama consumption. A purposive sample of ten females aged 20-25, with at least six months of K-Drama viewing experience, participated in individual interviews lasting 20-40 minutes. Informed consent was obtained, and interviews were audio-recorded and followed by a debriefing. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis facilitated an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of the participants. Findings indicate that viewers engage with K-Dramas for excitement, appealing genres, and emotional processes such as catharsis. Participants also reflected on cultural differences in gender roles and romantic norms between South Korea and Sri Lanka. Overall, the study shows that K-Dramas influence emotional regulation, and personal aspirations, while highlighting the importance of critically engaging with media, knowing its psychological benefits and potential drawbacks
Open Access
Exploring the Psychological Impact of Socially Prescribed Perfectionism among Sri Lankan Adolescents: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ekanayake, R; Ponnamperuma, L
Socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) is defined as the belief that others demand perfection from them. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to SPP due to their heightened sensitivity to external evaluations. Existing literature has consistently identified SPP as the most harmful form of perfectionism. However, there is a notable lack of research focusing specifically on SPP, both globally and in Sri Lanka. This studyaimed to explore the lived experiences of Sri Lankan adolescents with SPP by focusing on how they make sense of external expectations and the resulting psychological impact. The sample included seven adolescents aged 17 to 19 who self-identified as perfectionists experiencing unrealistic expectations from others. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling via a social media post. Data was collected through semi-structured online interviews, each lasting between 30 and 50 minutes. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The superordinate theme, ‘the price of never feeling enough’, and its three subthemes illustrated the psychological impact of SPP, highlighting participants’ experiences of self-doubt, strained relationships, and identity loss. This study supports global literature by identifying SPP as predominantly maladaptive, with only limited adaptive aspects. Sri Lankan adolescents appear to experience intense psychological pressure, largely driven by unrealistic expectations from significant adult figures.
Open Access
Status of Residential Treatment Centres Offering Addiction Counselling for Persons Living with Alcohol Use Disorders in Sri Lanka
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Rajasuriya, M; Tharinda, C; Wickramarathna, A. D. C. L.
Residential treatment centres are well known to provide services for persons living with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The interventions of their treatment packages are not always evidence-based. There have been no efforts to test the effectiveness of such addiction counselling packages offered in Sri Lanka. Paving the way to such efforts, this study aimed to describe the treatment packages offered by addiction counselling-based residential AUD treatment centres in Sri Lanka. The list of existing treatment centres was compiled using information from the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB), web search, and word of mouth. An authorised person from each centre was interviewed using a structured interview. Addiction counselling centres in Sri Lanka are required to be registered with the NDDCB, and 17 such centres had been registered in 2023. They provide treatment for various addictions including alcohol,tobacco, drugs, and gambling. Only 9 (52.69%) centres provide services for AUD. Seven (78%) of these centres are owned by private parties and 5 (56%) of them are located in the Western Province. Four (44%) such centres accept involuntary clients through court referrals. Many centres utilise non-evidence-based intervention such as forced abstinence. Three (33%) centres did not report collecting data to evaluate the effectiveness of their programme. The non-governmental sector contributes heavily to the provision of residential addiction counselling in Sri Lanka. These centres are concentrated in the Western Province. The science behind these interventions, and their success, safety, and legality need a closer look.
Open Access
Effects of Childhood Physical Abuse and Social Support on Young Adult Self- Esteem
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Nayanathara, V; Selvaratnam, N. D
Childhood physical abuse has been empirically linked to reduced self-esteem, reflecting its lasting impact on psychological well-being. Although social support is often considered a protective factor, research on its role in shaping self-esteem among those who have experienced childhood abuse remains inconclusive, especially among Asian populations. This study aimed to investigate the impact of childhood physicalabuse and social support on self-esteem among young adults residing in rural and suburban areas of Sri Lanka. The sample consisted of 351 Sinhala-speaking individuals (53.56% female and 46.44% male), aged between 18 and 29 years, drawn from 11 rural and suburban districts in Sri Lanka using cluster sampling.Descriptive and inferential statistics, including two-way ANOVA and a post-hoc analysis, were conducted in SPSS and Jamovi to examine main and interaction effects of childhood physical abuse and social support on self-esteem. There were significant main effects of both childhood physical abuse and social support on self-esteem. However, the interaction effect between physical abuse and social support was not significant.Post-hoc analyses indicated that moderate levels of social support mitigated some of the adverse effects of severe childhood physical abuse on self-esteem. The absence of a significant interaction suggests independent effects, warranting further investigation into related psychological outcomes for relevant authorities to make informed decisions governing child protection.
Open Access
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Mental Health: Innovations, Challenges, and Ethical Imperatives
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Jayalath, J.G
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as a promising tool for improving access to and scalability of mental health services, particularly thrrough application such as Chatbot, predictive modeling and emotion recognition technology.However, its integration raises significant ethical and psychological concerns, including algorithmic bias, privacy violations, and the potential erosion of human empathy. This qualitative integrative review aimed to critically examine the dual role of AI in mental health, synthesizing evidence on its efficacy and ethical challenges. The study systematically searched Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases, employing a structured search strategy. From an initial pool of 70 papers, 10 high-impact studies were selected based on rigorous inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed, focus on AI applications, ethical/psychological implications).
Open Access
The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Mental Well-Being
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Weerasinghe, B.A.I.R; Rajakarunanayake, S
Although the role played by mindfulness in developing mental well-being has received much attention, the mediatory role of self-esteem the realm of positive psychology is discussed rarely, especially in the context of non-state universities of a developing country that has face multiple unprecedented challenges in the recent past. A sample of 329 was collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire from non-state universities in Sri Lanka. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 26 and the mediation effect was computed by using PROCESS Macro. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between mindfulness and mental well-being. A partial mediation of self-esteem was found between mindfulness and wellbeing. The findings suggest academics, administrators, and policy makers to integrate more mindfulness-based interventions in associating with undergraduates to ease their academic burden and life battles whilst paying attention to build self-esteem among non-state university students.
Open Access
A Participatory Approach to Developing Adolescent Support Groups Focusing on Social Emotional Wellbeing: Lessons from a Community-Based Intervention Conducted in Gothamipura, Sri Lanka
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Jayatilake, P; Gunawardana, R; Goonetilleke, N
Adolescent mental health remains a growing concern in underserved urban communities in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to develop a culturally relevant support group model for adolescents in Gothamipura using a participatory approach. The objectives were to create a replicable context-sensitive intervention, enhancesocial-emotional wellbeing of participating adolescents, and offer a replicable framework for developing community-based psychosocial interventions in similar settings. The methodology involved two phases. The first phase involved focused group discussions and consultations with adolescents to understand social emotional focus areas. The second phase included designing sessions, pilot testing, and multiple feedbackand impact assessment sessions. A total of 26 sessions were conducted over 12 months, leading to the development of a support group model with 12 sessions. The model focused on three core areas: emotional awareness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Session content was refined iteratively basedon facilitator observations and participant feedback. Impact assessments showed improved understanding of emotions, greater awareness of distress tolerance strategies, and increased engagement in interpersonal skills, though comprehension levels varied among participants. The structured yet adaptable framework that emerged to develop the model highlights the importance of grounding psychosocial interventions inthe lived experiences of adolescents and incorporating continuous feedback throughout the development process. While the model showed promise, limitations included the absence of pre-post quantitative evaluation and challenges in sustaining the intervention beyond facilitator-led sessions. This study contributes to existing knowledge by demonstrating how participatory methods can support the design oflocally meaningful psychosocial programs for adolescents in low-resource, and marginalized settings.
Open Access
How Do Psychologists in Sri Lanka Navigate Work-Life Balance? A Qualitative Exploration of Their Experiences
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Herath, K; Fernando, T
In the presence of an imbalance between work and life, individuals are highly likely to have mental distress, which can result in adverse professional, personal, and health-related consequences. Despite the fact that every profession comes with its own demanding responsibilities. Providing therapy on a regular basis, bearing the emotional weight of their clients, and dealing with vicarious trauma while bearing personalresponsibilities without any institutional support can make it difficult for psychologists to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Without sufficient tools for self-soothing, such close proximity to psychological trauma and human suffering can result in severe emotional anguish, burnout, and, worst of all, attrition from the field. In order to avoid such consequences, this research examines how psychologists balance theirlives between work and life, the key challenges they face and the strategies they utilize to achieve balance. Using purposive sampling, psychologists with over two years of experience working with clients in Sri Lanka were recruited as the sample. Data saturation determined the sample size, which concluded with seven participants. A qualitative design was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to determine the main themes within the interview responses. Three major themes emerged from the study: psychologists manage many responsibilities, deal with issues including emotional exhaustion, time management, and boundary setting, and cope by using coping mechanisms like self-care, peer and family support, and psychological techniques. The study concluded that psychologists find it difficult to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives.Nevertheless, due to the techniques individuals have utilized and supported by their loved ones, they are dealing with it healthily.
Open Access
Red Flags at Work: A Qualitative Study on Gen Z’s Workplace Turn-Offs
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Gunathilake, S; Ganeshan, A
As Generation Z enters the workforce, their expectations regarding authenticity, equality and psychological safety are shaping new benchmarks for organisational culture. While global literature has begun to explore these shifts, there are limited empirical evidence on what constitutes workplace "red flags" for Gen Z in South Asia, particularly Sri Lanka. This study investigated the organisational behaviours and environments perceived as red flags by Sri Lankan Gen Z employees. An inductive qualitative approach was adopted, analysing approximately 69 anonymised responses from three Reddit threads posted in 2022, 2024 and 2025. Thematic analysis revealed six core themes: performative culture and corporate hypocrisy; lack of psychological safety and respect; exploitation and burnout norms; unfair HR practices and compensation systems; favouritism, discrimination, and lack of inclusion and organisational dishonesty. Differences were observed across sectors, with IT professionals emphasising overwork, rigid processes, and stagnant roles, while non-IT participants raised concerns about ethical breaches, gender-based microaggressions and superficial wellness initiatives. These themes were consistently evident across all three posts suggesting deeply held generational expectations. The study concludes that for Gen Z in Sri Lanka, alignment between stated organisational values and actual practices is essential.
Open Access
Contribution of the Keynote Speaker Multiconference
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) McNamara, P
This is an exciting time to be in Sri Lanka. Many opportunities are present. The complex problems will be best solved with cross-cutting answers involving perspectives from the humanities, social science, and natural science. No longer are the traditional narrow disciplines of academe sufficient. What is needed is a culture of creativity and innovation. I am excited to engage with the participants and organizers of this 2025 SICASH conference, who are at the cutting edge of this interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Open Access
Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form among Sri Lankans
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Weerasinghe, S. A; Goh, Y; Izadikah, Z; Wang, G; Ireland, M. J
The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form (DERS-SF) is a widely used measure to assess six areas of difficulties in emotion regulation. However, the psychometric properties of the scale have not been evaluated in the Sri Lankan population. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties, specifically the reliability and factor structure of the scale, to establish relevance to Sinhalesespeaking Sri Lankans. Following the translation, data was gathered online from a convenience sample of 101 participants. The DERS-SF showed excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = .93; Omega Total ωT = .93). A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a five-factor structure excluding the awareness subscale had be_er fit indices, reflecting cultural differences in how emotion regulation difficulties are conceptualised. This structure appeared more suitable for use in future research and screening for emotion regulation difficulties in the Sri Lankan population. Additionally, high scores of the DERS-SF,particularly among the younger participants compared to the older participants, underscored the need for programs to teach strategies of emotion regulation.
Open Access
Assessment of Judgmental Validity of the Sinhala Physical Abuse Subscale (SPAS) of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF)
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Nayanathara, V; Selvaratnam, N. D
Childhood physical abuse (CPA) remains a critical public health issue in Sri Lanka, yet there is a notable absence of culturally validated assessment tools in the Sinhala language. This study aimed to translate and assess the content validity of the 5-item Physical Abuse subscale from the Child Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF) using the Delphi method. A single round of Delphi was conducted with five subject matter experts (SMEs) selected based on extensive experience in trauma, psychology, and scale validation.
Open Access
''Mental Well-Being at Risk”: Are Internet Usage and Impulsivity Warning Signs?
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Siriwardene, N; Selvaratnam, N. D
Excessive internet usage negatively affects the mental well-being of university students, particularly when coupled with poor self-control and impulsivity, disrupting inner harmony. While this relationship has been empirically tested in other cultural contexts, related discourse in Sri Lanka remains limited. This cross-sectional survey examined the impact of internet use and impulsivity on the mental well-being of undergraduates at state and private universities in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. The survey, disseminated via WhatsApp and Instagram, employed Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Barratt’s Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). Data from 260 participants were cleaned and analysed using SPSS (version 25). A two-way ANOVA revealed that both internet use and impulsivity had significant, independent negative effects on mental well-being, though their interaction was not significant. These findings underscore a critical concern in higher education and call for universities to promote healthy digital habits. It is recommended that institutions implement evidence-based support systems to encourage balanced internet use that fosters both academic performance and psychological well-being.
Open Access
Cultural Adaptation and Statistical Validation of the General Self-Efficacy Scale Tamil (GSES-T)
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Vasudevan, T; Selvaratnam, N. D
The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), extensively validated across cultures, has not previously been available in Tamil, restricting its application in research and practice. This study, guided by Classical Test Theory (CTT), aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the GSES for Tamil-speaking populations. Adaptation followed rigorous procedures: forward–back translation, expert evaluation via the Delphi method (n = 4), and a pilot test (n = 10) to ensure cultural and linguistic relevance. Data from 204 Tamilspeaking Sri Lankans, recruited through cluster-based random sampling across multiple provinces, were analysed. Findings demonstrated strong content and consensual validity, excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .892), and a unidimensional structure explaining 50.98% of variance. The validated GSEST offers a robust tool for assessing self-efficacy, advancing culturally responsive research and supporting evidence-based interventions in Tamil-speaking communities
Open Access
A Qualitative Exploration of Pet Ownership and its Perceived Impact on Mental Health and Cultural Perspectives among Young Adults in Sri Lanka
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Rodrigo, R. J; Goonethilleke, N
Pets have the capacity to offer unconditional love and support through companionship, positively influencing emotional, mental, and social wellbeing. Guided by the Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) framework, this qualitative study explored the views on pet ownership and mental health among young adults in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven pet owners aged 20 to 22. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged: (1) Psychological impact and emotional support, (2) Responsibility and daily structure, (3) Cultural and societal contexts, and (4) Fostering social connections. The findings highlight the meaningful contributions of pet ownership to reduced stress and anxiety, increased empathy, improved emotional regulation, and a sense of routine and responsibility, with cultural and familial factors shaping experiences. Pets occasionally served as social facilitators. Overall, findings suggest that pet ownership may offer valuable support for young adults’ mental health and wellbeing in the Sri Lankan context.
Open Access
Job Insecurity in Sri Lanka: How Self-Efficacy Mediates its Effect on Optimism
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ajmal, A. A; Selvaratnam, N. D
Job insecurity is a significant concern globally and in Sri Lanka. It has been determined to detrimentally affect various job-related factors and the psychological health of individuals. Job insecurity may be a significant stressor that affects the optimism of youth, and optimism is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing. Accordingly, job insecurity’s negative effects may potentially be reduced by self-efficacy by fosteringbeliefs in their abilities despite job uncertainty. Consequently, self-efficacy has been identified as a potential psychological buffer. Nevertheless, empirical studies examining the mediating effect of self-efficacy between job insecurity and optimism are limited. The study aims to investigate the effect of job insecurity on optimism and the mediating role of self-efficacy, addressing the research gap in Sri Lanka. This quantitative study follows a cross-sectional survey design, treating job insecurity as the predictor variable, optimism as the outcome variable, and self-efficacy as the mediator. The final sample size included 164 Sri Lankan young career adults aged 18 to 35 who are currently working, with data collected through convenience sampling. The data was analysed using simple linear regressions and mediation analysis. The results revealed that job insecurity was a significant predictor of both self-efficacy and optimism. Similarly, self-efficacy emerged as a significant predictor of optimism. A partial mediation effect of self-efficacy was observed. These findings highlight the significance of self-efficacy in mediating the relationship between job insecurity and optimism and suggest enhancing self-efficacy as an empowering approach to diminish the adverse impacts of job insecurity.
Open Access
Generational Differences and Gender Role Beliefs on Mental Health Stigma among Sri Lankan Women
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Nicholas, R. N; Selvaratnam, N.D
Mental health stigma (MHS) remains a key barrier to psychological well-being in Sri Lanka, where cultural norms and gender expectations heavily influence help-seeking. Against this backdrop, the present study examined how gender role beliefs and generational differences shape mental health stigma among Sri Lankan women and whether these variables interact. A total of 250 Sri Lankan women aged 18-60 fromGenerations X, Y, and Z were recruited through online data collection, with generational groups assigned based on birth year. Gender role beliefs were measured using the Gender Role Beliefs Scale – Short Version (GRBS), and stigma was assessed using the Social Stigma for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH). A 2x3 factorial arrangement was designed, and data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. Results indicated that women endorsing traditional gender role beliefs reported significantly higher stigma, while the interaction between gender role beliefs and generation was not significant. The findings highlight gender role beliefs as a stronger predictor of stigma than generation, underscoring the need for belief-focused, culturally sensitive interventions in Sri Lanka.
Open Access
Psychedelics in Practice: Science, Safety, and the Future of Healing
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ireland, R
Psychedelic-assisted therapies are re-emerging as credible options in psychological care amid a high global burden of mental ill-health and limited response to first-line treatments. Once marginal, psychedelics are now part of mainstream research and policy debate, while remaining illegal or tightly restricted in many jurisdictions. Classic and atypical compounds (e.g., psilocybin, MDMA) act via mechanisms that include 5-HT2A–mediated effects, default mode network modulation, increased global connectivity, and a timelimited neuroplasticity window that psychotherapy can harness. Evidence for clinical applications spans treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, and addictions. Central to positive outcomes is the therapeutic frame, including preparation, supported dosing, and structured integration, rather than medication alone. Risks and contraindications, regulatory realities, and cultural–ethical considerations (including acknowledgement of Indigenous knowledge and equity of access) will be addressed. Implications for practice will be highlighted, alongside succinct directions for future research.
Open Access
Beneath the Sentence: A Deep Dive into Post-Homicidal Mentality and Coping Strategies on Sri Lanka’s Death Row Inmates
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Madanayake, C; Perera, H; Samarakoon, C; Athapaththu, T; Attanayaka, A; Weeramanthrie, Y; Sandupama, T; Selvaratnam, N.D; Ponnamperuma, L
This study explores the post-homicidal mentality and coping strategies of individuals convicted of homicide and sentenced to capital punishment in Sri Lanka, a context marked by stressful conditions of incarceration and cultural stigma. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with six male inmates at Welikada Prison to understand how they perceive and manage their acts (i.e., homicide) and extended detention under the threat of the death penalty. The results showed a variety of signs of psychological distress after a homicide, such as guilt, anxiety, disorientation, and emotional numbness. In order to deal with guilt, control intrusive memories, and adapt to prison life, participants used coping strategies, particularly religious surrender, creative engagement, and moral reframing. According to these findings, death row inmates face significant psychological difficulties, and the correctional system in Sri Lanka urgently needs culturally competent mental health services and rehabilitative frameworks. The study contributes to the limited qualitative literature on the inner experiences of death row prisoners, offering insights for policy development and clinical practices aimed at supporting psychological adaptation in highly punitive environments.
Open Access
Predictors of Professional Help-Seeking Intentions in Sri Lankan Young Adults
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Shiyam, T. S; Selvaratnam, N.D
Despite a noticeable decline in mental health among youth in Sri Lanka, many remain reluctant to seek help from trained professionals. This cross-sectional study applies the theory of planned behaviour to examine the psychological determinants of professional help-seeking intentions among Sri Lankan young adults, with a focus on how its core components—attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control—contribute to intention formation. An online questionnaire consisting of the Mental Health Seeking Attitude Scale (MHSAS), Subjective Norms Scale (SNS), Perceived Behavioural Control Scale (PBCS) and Mental Help Seeking Intention Scale (MHSIS) was administered to a predominantly female, English-speaking sample of 155 participants aged between 18 – 35. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed a statistically significant model which accounted for 13.2% of the variance in professional helpseeking intentions among this sample. However, subjective norms failed to account for a significant increase in the variance explained by the model after controlling for attitudes and perceived behavioural control. These findings highlight the importance of targeting attitudes and perceived control in interventions aimed at augmenting professional help-seeking intentions among youth. Authorities shouldalso prioritize culturally tailored mental health campaigns that could empower youth while reducing the stigma around professional support.