Work

Burnout and Belonging: How the Costs and Benefits of Youth Activism Affect Youth Health and Wellbeing

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Engagement in youth activism has been linked to both positive and negative wellbeing. Drawing on survey results from a sample of 636 youth participants in the ACLU Advocacy Institute, this study finds that although youth generally report greater benefits from their activism than costs, the costs are significantly related to worse mental health, physical health, and flourishing, while benefits are positively associated with flourishing only. A sense of belonging to an activist community, however, emerges as a significant protective factor for mental health, physical health, and flourishing. Focus group respondents explain how peer support and a sense of belonging act as salves to burnout, the most common cost that youth activists in this sample report experiencing. They also identify three main sources of burnout: backlash in response to their efforts; pressure to be the savior generation; and the slow progress of change. This study advances understanding of the complex relationship between youth activism and wellbeing and raises implications for youth activists and those who support them.

Source: Youth

DOI: 10.3390/youth3010009

Authors: Jerusha Osberg Conner, Emily Greytak, Carly D. Evich, Laura Wray-Lake

Institutions: Villanova University, American Civil Liberties Union, Purdue University West Lafayette, University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Youth Development and Social Support

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,112