PROBLEMS IN ADOLESCENCEChapter 13: Introduction

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

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 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