For the July 2026 semester, the PSY213 End-of-Course Assessment at SUSS asks students to work with findings from the Institute of Mental Health’s National Youth Mental Health Study. Two short essays examine how young Singaporeans aged 15 to 35 experience mental health conditions and why many do not seek help, and a one-page poster turns Growth Circle skills into practical advice for the friends and family who support them.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Explain the mental health continuum (Q1)
• Identify the common mental health conditions in Singapore (Q1, Q2)
• Describe the factors that influence mental health and well-being in the Singapore context (Q1)
• Appraise how and why people seek help for mental health issues in Singapore (Q1)
• Demonstrate basic competencies of group facilitation (Q2)
• Practise the skills needed to interact with people with mental health conditions (Q2)

Question 1: Essay (55 marks)

The National Youth Mental Health Study (NYMHS) was initiated in 2022 by the Institute of Mental Health to understand the mental health landscape among youths aged 15 to 35 in Singapore. Refer to the attached IMH press release and journal article. Based on the findings of the NYMHS, answer Question 1a and Question 1b.

Question 1a (30 marks, 800 words)

Discuss what the mental health landscape is like amongst the youth of Singapore. In your essay you need to:

• Apply the mental health continuum model.
• Critically examine the prevalence, risk factors and help-seeking behaviours for mental health disorders among Singaporean youths.
• Briefly describe the mental health conditions with the highest prevalence as identified by the NYMHS.

Your essay must be substantiated with knowledge from the course, findings from the NYMHS and independent research.

Question 1b (25 marks, 600 words)

Identify three key barriers that prevent youths from seeking help and suggest at least two evidence-based and culturally appropriate interventions to improve help seeking in the local context. Substantiate your essay with knowledge from the course, findings from the NYMHS and independent research.

Question 2: Informational Poster (40 marks, one A4 page)

You have been invited to join a workgroup focusing on youth mental health challenges in Singapore. Young people frequently turn to friends and family for informal support, but these networks often lack the knowledge and skills to provide effective psychological support. Design an informational poster that raises awareness about fostering psychological safety and equips friends and family with practical guidance. Using clear language and visuals suitable for the general community, the poster should:

1. Identify common mental health risk factors in youths.
2. Describe basic competencies learnt from Growth Circle sessions, with brief examples.
3. Describe what to avoid doing or saying while providing psychological support.
4. Identify where to seek help locally if more extensive support is needed.

• A4 size (210 x 297 mm), portrait or landscape, minimum font size 12.
• Point form and full sentences are both allowed; graphics and colours are encouraged.
• Include in-text citations (subscripts are acceptable) and embed the poster as an image in the Word submission before the references.

References and English Competency

• References (5 marks): APA in-text citations and reference list, with at least 5 valid academic sources (peer-reviewed journals, academic books and chapters; websites, blogs and videos do not count).
• English competency: up to 5 marks deducted for errors; 5 marks deducted if the cover page is incomplete or missing.
• GenAI use must be disclosed; substantial AI-generated content counts as plagiarism.