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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

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Problems in Adolescence

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  1. Chapter 13: Introduction Problems in Adolescence

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

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