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

2. 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.

3. Adolescent drug use and abuse
Monitoring the Future annual survey
Risk factors
psychological
conflicted family relationships
social
social context

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. The National Social Norms Research Center (NIU)
Social norms approach
The National Social Norms Research Center (NIU)

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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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