1. Leonard Pearlin’s Theory of Psychological Distress
By: Maeghan & Saemah

2. Basic Premise & Theory
Suggests that humans are in a state of prepetual change for their entire lives. Development is unique to the individual, although common patterns can be predicted by looking at the various social factors. However, this theory disagrees with the stage theory.

3. Lifes requires distress in order for continuous change
People continuously change due to situations and the stresses that come along with them to help them evolve
Changes in behaviour are from socialized responses to the social clock, instead of age linked interchange. ( stages of maturity)
Early adults must make major changes in their behaviour.
( new responsibilities, transitioning into adults etc.)

4. Fig.1
Fig.2

5. 4 Path Determining Elements
Individual characteristics
Coping Skills
Social Support
Nature & timing of stress
Fig. 3

6. Individual Characteristics
Individual characteristics can affect your life choices
→ Gender, race, intelligence, personality, family background etc..
Example: Your intelligence can determine how well you can be educated & how far you can go with your career

7. Coping Skills Do you have the skills to cope with stress?
--> Part time job, social expectations, post-secondary process, relationships, can all induce stress.

8. Social Support Too much support ( helicopter parents)
No support ( abandonment)
Guidance counselors, parents, teacher, friends, kids help phone
Fig.4

9. Timing of Stress
-Fired unexpectedly, financial issues, unexpected pregnancy,mid-life crisis
-Timing of stress can impact you psychologically and challenges you mentally
Fig. 5

10. Continuous Life Stages
>Individuals change and mature due to experiencing distress ( social clock)
>Role changing, by socializing
>Cohort effect, changes in behaviour are a result of the social clock, not age linked changes

11. Relevance to Society & Adolescence
- A lot of people do go through this
- Change through experience
-Adolesence are always changing

12. Strengths & Weaknesses
> The study of adult development and psychological distress determines the difference in vulnerability to stressful circumstances of different groups in society
> Many people could relate to his theory
> Acknowledges the different factors that may change a persons life
Disagrees with lifes stage theories
Goes against structural functionalism

13. Discussion Questions
Do you believe that some people are more mature than others based on the stress that they have endured and overcame?
Do you think that the amount of social support an individual has an effect on the coping skills?
Do you think gender,race, religion and cultural expectations all have a effect on coping skills?

14. Secondary Source

15. Works Cited
Fig.1 Katherine Hogen. (2014). Decompress with Acupunctur. Retrieved Nov
from: <
Fig.2 Unknown. Tips for Managing Stress. Retrieved Nov
from: <
Fig.3 Unknown. (2012). Change Ahead. Retrieved Nov
from: <
Fig.4 Unknown. Emotional Support.Retrieved Nov
from: <
Fig.5 Unknown. Timing Functions. Retreived Nov
from: <
HHSKCIWEBSITE. ( Oct ). Adolescence and Young Adulthood. Retreived: Nov
from:<
Unknown. Theories on Adult Development. Retrieved: Nov
from: <