Adolescent Psychosocial Problems Drug, tobacco, and alcohol use and abuse Eating disorders Antisocial behavior and violence Suicide Runaways and homeless youth

Some principles... Distinguish between occasional experimentation and enduring patterns of dangerous behavior. Distinguish between problems having origins and onset during adolescence and those having roots in earlier periods of development. Many adolescent problems are brief and are resolved by early adulthood. Problem behavior during adolescence not a direct consequence of the normative changes of adolescence.

Adolescent drug use and abuse Monitoring the Future annual survey http://monitoringthefuture.org Risk factors psychological conflicted family relationships social social context

Protective factors include... Positive mental health (e.g., high self-esteem) High academic achievement Close family relationships Involvement in religious activities

Tobacco use 33% of 12-17 year olds have tried tobacco. Most teens who smoke began before high school years. Antismoking education is critical in elementary and middle school. Contributing factors include advertising, adult models, peer pressure, need for status.

Alcohol use and abuse Most adolescents have experimented with alcohol. 80% of high school seniors have used alcohol. Most do not become problem drinkers. Chronic drinking may be genetic or may be modeled by parents who drink heavily.

Risk factors Family history Religiosity SES Place of residence Social relationships Peers’ uses Juvenile delinquency Loneliness TV viewing Parental support Deviant behavior Other family-related risk factors

The National Social Norms Research Center (NIU) Social norms approach http://www.socialnorm.org The National Social Norms Research Center (NIU)

Eating disorders Dieting Anorexia nervosa Bulimia (binging and purging) Obesity

Antisocial behavior and violence Legacy of Columbine High School. Exposure to violence in TV and video games. Adolescents two-and-a-half times more likely to be victims of crime. Homicide second leading cause of death.

Suicide warning signs: Sudden, unexplained changes in behavior Changes in sleeping or eating patterns Loss of interest in usual activities Social withdrawal Experiencing a humiliating event Feelings of guilt or hopelessness Inability to concentrate Talking about suicide Giving away important possessions

Risk factors Mental illness and/or biochemical imbalances Substance abuse Stresses and chaotic family life The availability of lethal means (handgun in the home) Prior suicide attempts

Runaways and homeless youth Provide care and support Provide additional academic assistance, as needed Provide support for runaway youth organizations and shelters Work with social workers and family services Encourage peer acceptance