Designing an effective pamphlet for college student stress

Stress in College

Over the last several years, the overall issue of stress on college students has been increasingly brought to the forefront. Part of the reason for this, is because a large number of suicides are being reported (as this is the second leading cause of death among this group). ("College Student Suicides," 2010) This is important, because the high amount of these incidents indicates that this was caused by depression, which was trigged by the various stressors that students are facing. To fully understand the overall scope of this problem requires: examining the impressions that must be shown in the message, looking at examples and identifying a pattern. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as what factors should be considered when creating the pamphlet for the Student Life Committee.

Description

The most dominant message that should be impressed upon students is that there are a number of different stress related issues that everyone will have to deal with. A few of the most notable include: peer pressure, academic performance, financial, athletic performance, time management, increased responsibilities and an uncertain future. ("Stress Causes of College Students," 2010) These elements are important, because they can be used to reach out to the student body, through highlighting the same kind of challenges everyone will face. In this description of the problem, you would want to use a number of the five different senses to include: sight and touch. As these elements in the literature will allow the individual to see that they are having similar problems as everyone else, through a pamphlet that they can touch and feel.

Identifying the Pattern

The pattern that will be utilized to reach out to the audience is one that will speak to them in: a relaxed style and non-confrontational tone. As there will be select words that will be used to add that sense of emotionalism such as: drastic and extreme. This will help the reader be able to emotionally connect with the information that is being presented. The organizational style is to use a combination of text and graphics to catch the readers' attention. At the same time, you would want to use unique colors and a glossy format to make the pamphlet visually appealing. This would give the information an eye catching, professional feel. Once this takes place, it will help to make the literature more effective, at reaching out to the target group of college students. When you step back and analyze this approach, it is clear that this will help to instill that sense of: realism, emotionalism and logic upon the reader. These different elements are important, because students need to understand how stress could have an impact upon their lives in college. At which point, they can see that they are facing similar challenges as everyone else. In many ways, one could argue that if the information is presented using this kind of a format, it will help add the elements of logic and emotionalism to the pamphlet.