Wednesday 22 July 17:15
- 18:45
Hall: 21 - Room 18
Chair:
Matulessy Andik
Co-Chair:
Crowe Simon
Division: Division 3: Psychology and Societal Development
Across Asia, youth mental health has emerged as one of the most pressing psychosocial concerns of our time, a "silent surge" shaped by rapid societal change, academic pressure, digital immersion, and shifting family and community dynamics. This symposium examines how applied psychology can inform innovative, evidence-based, and culturally grounded approaches to promote resilience and well-being among young people. The rise in anxiety, depression, and emotional distress among youth reflects not only clinical concerns but also broader systemic challenges, including inequitable access to care, persistent stigma, and the mismatch between conventional service models and young people's lived realities. Applied psychology plays a pivotal role in bridging these gaps, integrating prevention, early intervention, and capacity-building through schools, families, communities, and digital platforms. Drawing on diverse contexts across the region, this symposium highlights emerging frameworks that combine psychological science with social innovation. Presentations will explore national and community-level responses such as peer-led mental health initiatives, family-engaged interventions, trauma-informed and resilience-based approaches, and the rise of digital and tele-mental health platforms. Collectively, these developments demonstrate how the field is moving beyond the clinic to co-create accessible, participatory ecosystems of care. By bringing together regional perspectives, this symposium aims to identify shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration in youth mental health research, policy, and practice. It embodies the Congress theme "New Directions in Applied Psychology" by showcasing how science, compassion, and cultural wisdom can converge to strengthen systems that not only treat distress but also nurture belonging, purpose, and hope — empowering young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This presentation will be presented as a joint initiative of the two regional organizations, the ASEAN Region Union of Psychological Science and the Asia pacific Psychology Alliance.
