Two significant themes emerged in my research in response to the question: What factors contribute to storm and stress (turbulence) in adolescence? 1. Lack of Connection 2. Factors Outside of Adolescent Control
Lack of connection includes: lack of connection with parents, peers, and other supportive adults including teachers, therapists, extended family, and any adults in the community adolescents feel safe talking to. When our teens are not connected, they experience increased storm and stress (mental health issues, risky behaviours, and conflict). Our teens NEED connection, especially with parents when possible.
Factors outside of adolescent control that increases storm and stress as noted by participants in my study, includes: world problems, socioeconomic stressors, learning disabilities, cross-cultural challenges, sexuality, changes in the adolescent’s life including moving and separation/divorce, social media, and stereotypes and expectations.
Some of these factors cannot be changed. Having this information, however, allows parents and supportive adults to prepare ourselves in circumstances which cannot be changed and to inform decision making in circustances which can.
Can you think of other factors which increase or decrease storm and stress?
