Problems in Adolescence Chapter 13: Introduction Problems in Adolescence

Problems In Adolescence Remember “adolescent generalization gap” Negative stereotyping 73% of adolescents have a positive self-image Not ALL adolescents face problems Adolescence is a time of many changes Problems in adolescence are generally associated with a combination of factors

Biopsychosocial Approach Biological Factors Genetics, puberty, hormones, the brain Early maturation - drug abuse & delinquency (girls) Puberty – depression (girls) Early sexual intercourse – delinquency & drug abuse Brain development (prefrontal cortex/amygdala) – risk taking & sensation seeking bxs

Biopsychosocial Approach Psychological Factors Identity, personality traits, decision making, self control Search for identity/ experimentation Early adolescent emotional fluctuations can become intensely negative – depression and aggression Low conscientiousness – substance abuse & conduct problems Emotions can overwhelm decision-making ability Low self-control – substance abuse, delinquency

Biopsychosocial Approach Social Factors Family, peers, schools, SES, poverty, neighborhoods High levels of parent-child conflict, inadequate supervision, insecure attachment Increase time and connection with peers (+/-) Rejected adolescents – low self-esteem, depression, suicide Delinquent peers – substance abuse & delinquency Early dating – substance abuse Break-ups -- depression Schools are not meeting the needs of adolescents Impersonal, no counseling available Low SES High SES – male substance abuse

Developmental Pathway Approach Where does the problem start? What are precursors? Risk factors? Early experiences? How does the problem develop over time? Longitudinal studies What are protective factors? Ultimately seeking to inform treatment and prevention, and develop effective interventions.

Developmental Pathway Approach Parental psychopathology – childhood depression Maternal depression Infant Attachment style – Adolescent problems Insecure attachment in infancy – adolescent anxiety Avoidant attachment in infancy – adolescent conduct problems Early supportive care (secure attachment)  early peer competence  decrease chance of problems in adolescence and early adulthood (protective factors) Patterns of problems in adolescence – patterns in adulthood continuity

Internalizing & Externalizing Problems turned inward Anxiety, depression, suicide Predicts internalizing problems in adulthood Middle SES – overcontrolled More characteristic of females Problems turned outward Delinquency, aggression, violence, bullying Elevates risk for antisocial problems in adulthood Predicts adult female internalizing problems Lower SES – destruction of property, fighting More characteristic of males

Characteristics of Problems Wide spectrum Duration, severity Gender, SES, age in development Referrals to MH services Unhappiness sadness Depression Difficulties in school (primary or secondary) Risk factors vs. developmental assets External: Support, empowerment, boundaries & expectations, constructive use of time Internal: commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, positive identity

Stress The response to circumstances and events that threaten and/or tax one’s coping abilities Acute or chronic Physical, emotional, psychosocial stressors Many sources of stress Perception of stress decreases in late adolescence

Coping Managing taxing circumstances, expending effort to master problems, seeking to reduce stress Healthy vs. unhealthy coping strategies Individual characteristics Active and internal coping increase as adolescents age Problem-focused coping: face one’s troubles and try to solve them Emotion-focused coping: responding to stress in an emotional manner (using defense mechanisms) Rationalizing, denying, avoiding, joking Maladaptive

Coping Thinking positively Behaving positively Seek support Optimism Behaving positively Increase self control Active, not reactive Seek support Close, secure friendships Professional support Do not isolate Context specific Coping depends on the context you are in Coping flexibility