Key Inquiry Question 2:
What are young people’s meanings of health?

In this section, you’ll explore how young people today understand and define health, and how those meanings have changed over time. You’ll compare your own experiences with those of previous generations and examine the factors that influence what health means to different people. You’ll also conduct your own investigation, learning how to develop research questions, collect data, and evaluate your findings. This process will help you understand not only what health means to others, but also how your own view of health is shaped by your environment, identity, and circumstances.

2.1 – Explore across generations aspects of young people’s lives that make them similar and different to the young people of previous generations

You’ll begin by looking at the similarities and differences between young people today and those from past generations. By reflecting on what life was like for young people in the past, you’ll gain insight into how things like technology, family structure, education, and social expectations have influenced the way health is experienced and understood over time.

2.2 – Investigate the meanings of health for young people

Next, you’ll conduct your own research to investigate what health means to young people. You’ll start by creating a focused research question and choosing appropriate methods to collect data. You’ll think critically about how determinants shape a young person’s understanding of health. You’ll also reflect on ethical considerations in research, including how to protect privacy and ensure consent. As part of your investigation, you’ll learn how to assess the validity, reliability, and credibility of your data. You’ll practise presenting your findings clearly and drawing conclusions based on the evidence you collect. Finally, you’ll consider new questions that could be explored in future studies to deepen understanding or prompt further action.

By completing this key inquiry question, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how health is viewed by young people in Australia today. You’ll gain valuable skills in data collection, analysis, and evaluation. You will also understand the personal and social factors that shape young people’s views of what it means to live a healthy life.