Common Psychosocial Crises in Adolescence

Adolescence can be a tumultuous period of emotional and physical development. These changes can result in difficult but normal issues, including pressure to conform, emotional regression, and increased self-awareness. However, for some youths, transition issues can result in much more serious crises. For example, many adolescents experience an identity crisis. In psychology, a sense of identity is formed by integrating external experience and internal beliefs about one’s self. Many of these factors change during the teenage years, challenging a young person’s sense of identity.

Young people may want to rebel against the norms and expectations set by their families or community. While this process is significant for personal growth, it can cause alienation. Teens may also become more susceptible to negative peer pressure as they have not yet defined their values.

Peer pressure can cause teens to make poor decisions, especially sex and dating. Young people may feel obligated to have sex in their relationships, leading to unplanned pregnancies. Appropriate sex education is key to empowering young people to make healthy decisions.

Identity crises can also cause young people to become more materialistic and exclusive. Teens may derive their value and identity from their friend groups or the items they own. Parents should understand how important fitting in is to their teens and avoid belittling their feelings. However, they can use thoughtful praise to remind their child of their unique qualities. Therapy can help adolescents navigate through an identity crisis safely.

Many people start experiencing mental health issues during adolescence. Pressure and hormonal changes make teens more vulnerable to poor eating habits, unhealthy sleeping patterns, and poor stress management. These factors can trigger or exacerbate conditions like depression and anxiety. Although all teens exhibit moodiness, some young people experience extreme ups and downs that may indicate a more serious issue, such as bipolar disorder or a personality disorder. In these cases, youth psychology professionals advise seeking support from a therapist.

Teens also face social problems such as bullying. Youth who are the target of a bully may lose interest in school or avoid attending school altogether. Bullying can cause chronic stress. This can lead to other mental health issues, including depression.

Parents can teach their children positive coping strategies for diffusing bullying. For example, reacting to verbal bullying with humor can deescalate the situation. Involving youth engaging in extracurricular activities can also boost their self-esteem and mitigate the negative impact of bullying.

Due to their lack of life experience, adolescents often do not have effective coping strategies for handling stressful or traumatic situations. Teenagers who experience an adverse event, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one, may use harmful ways to cope. Teenagers feeling intense negative emotions often act out through rebellious or risky behavior. They may experiment with drugs or alcohol. Others may become involved in criminal activity or drop out of school.

Parents should view these behaviors as a signal for help. In addition to providing a safe and judgment-free space for teens to express themselves, parents should encourage their children to see a therapist. In some cases, young people can benefit from a treatment program with a therapeutic approach.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/6WloKyb
via IFTTT