NRS 434VN Topic 3 DQ 2
Describe two external stressors that are unique to adolescents. Discuss what risk-taking behaviors may result from the external stressors and what support or coping mechanism can be introduced.
answer:
What external stressors are unique to adolescents? Most teens in particular face a variety of pressures. Social, environmental and economic factors likely play a role in youth behavior. As a result, we cannot recommend the following for everyone; however, these can be beneficial for teens who may be undergoing changing family circumstances or other changes. We suggest you answer the following questions when considering this assignment: 1. Do you know someone who is in the midst of dramatically changing circumstances? 2. Do you know someone with personal challenges? 3. Does your current environment make it difficult to manage month-to-month expenses? 4. Is there extrinsic pressure to complete academic/employment requirements in a particular timeframe?
Adolescents are at increased risk for depression, substance use, and academic failure. Many of the external stressors adolescents have to contend with may be unique to their age group, such as peer pressure to engage in risky behaviors and teenage stress related to school performance and family dynamics.
Research on adolescent risk-taking has revealed that many adolescents are exposed to external stressors (e.g., family and peer pressures) during the teenage years that may influence the type of behaviors they choose to engage in. The most common external stressors for adolescents include: academic expectations, parental expectations, and peer pressure. Those who are more vulnerable to those internal risk factors may feel more stress due to their lack of coping skills or ability to regulate their emotions. It is thought that some adolescents will see these external factors as disempowering, may begin dealing with everyday life in a different manner, specifically making decisions based less on long-term consequences or feelings, and engage in more risky behaviors.
Children, adolescents and young adults are vulnerable to social influence from peers, family and media. Many risk-taking behaviors can be linked to external stressors in the form of drugs, alcohol, violence and risky sexual behavior. And for those not yet ready for a driver’s license, like me, social norms may force us onto the road as soon as possible.
Adolescents in the United States suffer from many external influences. Some of these influences may include physical and emotional abuse from family members; concerns about body image, self-esteem and sexuality; the competitive world of athletics; marijuana use; peer pressure, bullying, and gangs.
Adolescents gain their independence starting at a very early age. However, through the adolescent years they are still learning what they can handle on their own and what they cannot. They also need to know how to process their emotions and how to feel connected to others. When adolescents are exposed to outside pressures, such as family strife, school problems, and exposure to media violence, it can cause them to take risky behavioral choices. This can often lead them into problems such as speeding, drinking and drugs. As many teens already know from personal experience, when used responsibly these behaviors do not cause serious peril if used properly. But when teenagers misuse these behaviors, they put themselves in danger.
Although most adolescents face at least one or two stressors in their lives, for some it is a strain on every level of their existence. With deadlines to meet in school, home, entertainment and extracurricular activities, and the pressures of having a social life, daily tasks can be difficult. For some, depression can develop as they become more aware and begin to imagine what they will look like 10 years from now. Teenagers who feel sad and discouraged often feel a lack of purpose in life which can lead to increasing levels of suspicion, distrust and anger toward family members.
Adolescents have the most to gain or lose from the choices they make with their friends, family, and peers. Recent studies show that it is less than desirable to be an outcast in high school. This is because being an outcast usually means that you are not invited on a lot of events with your peer group which can be a great deal of fun. With this in mind you will see why losing these relationships can be quite debilitating to both the individual that is losing their friends and the friend themselves because they do not want to go home. The very reason that running away from those around you is present today is what we should consider when developing our youth in the ways of healthy decision making and behavior.
Analysts forecasted a record number of violent youth crimes by youth in 2013, including a rise in rape. According to the Washington Post, from 2008 to 2012, the number of rapes involving those under 18 rose 76 percent. A recent study conducted by the National Institute for Justice and reported on NPR, found that children as young as 11 years old experienced incidents of sexual assault. Therefore teens are at greater risk of involvement in risky behavior.
What may be the cause of a teenager being socially aware
When carrying large weights, these young men are well outside their physical limits. Their arms, hips and shoulders have not yet developed the strength to support the weights for very long. Many of these boys have gained muscle in response to this weight training, but could this be an unhealthy way to feed their interest?