Risk Factors That Increase Stress in Modern Day Adolescents Essay Example for Free

Risk Factors That Increase Stress in Modern Day Adolescents EssayAdolescence is a time of growth and development. It is a transitional stage mingled with the dependency of small fryhood and independency of adulthood. Thus, it is not surprising that adolescence is noted to be a juncture of high woe. Risk factors and causes of vehemence in adolescence must be determined first and foremost, so that appropriate coping strategies lav be developed to deal with this issue.Stress is defined as conditions or events that test a persons psychological capacity to adjust or respond to these circumstances (Garcia, 2009). The conditions, in which a person determines as stressful, vary depending on the individual. Adolescents experience of stress can be perceived as intolerable, due to their lack of knowledge and understanding of how to appropriately deal with their distress (George wagon train der Berg 2011). Byrne and Mazanov (2002) established seven areas that incline adolescents to increased stress levels. These include school, family relationships, future prospects and peer interactions (Byrne Mazanov 2002).Negative family interactions have been found to be the most compelling stressors for adolescents (McNamara 2000, pg 39). Unstable family structure, parental disagreements and inadequate child care can have a detrimental case on an adolescents well being (Menaghan 2010). As adolescents are still create physically and mentally, the extremity of a constant and secure home life is especially beneficial to their growth into adulthood. Most family related stressors can be classified as diminutive or minor disagreements between an adolescent and parent (McNamara 2000 pg 40). When these discrepancies escalate into severe conflicts, the resultant adolescent is more inclined to have doubt in their self-worth, and down in the mouth confidence in their ability to achieve, therefore losing all motivation to set up goals (McNamara 2000 pg 42). This in turn can p redispose the adolescent to stress related conditions much(prenominal) as depression and self destruction (George van der Berg 2011).Peer relationships can be the most influential aspect on an adolescentsdecision reservation process (McNamara 2000, pg 41). The need to fit in and feel validated by their peers can cause great distress, which can have a colossal effect on choices an adolescent makes. Peer pressure, bullying and fear of rejection are a few of the many social issues, youths face on a daily backside through school and social activities, such as youth groups and sporting events. The resources that they have access to, can either enhance their well being or cause an adolescent a great deal stress.Preconditions, such as negative family/home situations and genetic predisposition to mental illness, can increase development of problem behaviour in teens (McNamara 2000, pg 54). Poor self perception and lack of self esteem can make it difficult for an adolescent to build rin ging with other peers, leading to anti-social and self-harm tendencies. Although peer interactions can manipulate an adolescents way of thinking or choices they make, lack of peer relationships can lead to depressive or aggressive attitudes (George van der Berg 2011).The burdens of school attainment includes future uncertainty with career and further education prospects, and current stressors such as the need to achieve good grades to accomplish these goals, and exam pressures (George van der Berg 2011). Added parental pressure to achieve high marks can also cause negative performance anxieties, due to the adolescents contumacious desire to please their parents scholastic achievement dreams of them. Competition between peers to achieve good grades for acceptance into reputable tertiary intuitions, can furthermore add to the distress caused on teenagers through education and peer rivalry (McNamara 2000). Constructive and supportive learning environments can be beneficial to an ado lescents growth and development. This can support an boilers eccentric higher achievement rate and feeling of satisfaction in student, teacher and parent (McNamara 2000).Research into adolescent stress has increased considerably over the knightly twenty years. With the ever advancing development of new technologies, Byrne and Mazanov (2002) concluded that their study into psychosocial factors that increase stress in adolescents must be modified and adjusted to suit the specific era. For example, twenty years ago issues with cyber bullying werenonexistent. With this knowledge it is important to be aware of any new possible causes of stress in adolescents, and align the stress measuring apparatuses and questionnaires as required.Outlining the specific areas that youths dislodge the most distressing, can assist adolescent professionals and parents alike to be able to recognise and treat the symptoms of stress before it gets out of control. It is important to acknowledge that stres s and the ability to be able to adapt to different situations is not always a negative experience. From examining many case studies and experimental questionnaires on adolescent stress, I have been able to determine that there are three main significant areas that all adolescents find cause anguish in their lives. These factors are schooling, friendships and parent/child relationships. If these areas are controlled in a compassionate and understanding environment, there is greater chance of those adolescents developing appropriate coping strategies that they can continue to use into adulthood.