NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents
Bullying and identity confusion are two stressors affecting the adolescent population. Bullying is aggressive repeatedly intentional behavior involving an imbalance of power. Today, bullies are often anonymous, bullying over social media platforms in what has become known as “cyber-bullying”. Bullying in any form can lead to teen depression or suicide (Falkner, 2018). Bringing bullying to the forefront has increased awareness of the problem and promoted education throughout schools. NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents. Not only is it imperative to educate on the types of bullying, but the consequences as well. Educating, students, professionals, parents and communities to understand the effects of bullying such as teen suicide and depression and recognizing the signs of depression that could lead to suicide is imperative to stop the trends. Reducing risk factors and promoting protective factors should be part of a prevention program. Including education, skill level, and confidence of those who have contact with the teen are also necessary to identify and refer those that may be at risk of suicide. Providing teens support through community and faith-based resources and family support have been instrumental in helping teens to learn effective coping mechanisms throughout their life (stopbullying.gov, n. d.).Sexual orientation and gender are important aspects to teen identity. Expressing and exploring gender identities is a normal part of development. Some are able to identify and express their gender identity at an early age while others cannot. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) teens experience many challenges due to how others react to their sexual orientation or expression. The disparities among the LGBT population are influenced by the stigma and discrimination associated with their gender identity. The negative experiences faced include, rejection by family and peers, inadequate support in schools, employment and communities. LGBT teens are at high risk for suicide, homelessness, and illicit drug use. They are also at risk for physical and sexual abuse, bullying, depression, anxiety and isolation (youth.gov, n. d.). NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents
Today’s society has seen an increased awareness of the LGBT community addressing the stigma, discrimination and violence. Many organizations are assisting the teens in family support, work settings, schools, and communities to foster acceptance and provide protective factors (youth.gov, n. d.).
Strong positive parental connections are the most effective protective factor against suicidal ideation and attempt. The perception of caring by the parents, peers, family members, and the teen that likes school have all been shown to be positive protective factors for teens who are bullied (Marin, 2013).
References:
Falkner, A. (2018). Adolescent Assessment. Health Assessment: Foundations for Effective Practice. Retrieved from: https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/3
Marin,C. (2013). University of Minnesota Researchers Identify Risk, Protective Factors for Youth Involved in Bullying. University of Minnesota Academic Health Center. Retrieved from: https://www.healthtalk.umn.edu/2013/06/19/u-of-m-researchers-identify-risk-protective-factors-for-youth-involved-in-bullying/
Stopbullying.gov., (n. d.). Stop Bullying. Retrieved January 27, 2021 from: https://stopbullying.gov/prevention/index.html
Youth.gov., (n. d.). LGBT. Retrieved January 27,2021 from: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/lgbtq-youth
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.
Depression is a serious subject and yet adolescent depression can be misunderstood by society. Many people may not take adolescent depression seriously because teenagers are supposed to be “moody” or the assumption that the adolescent does not have anything to be depressed about. However, adolescent depression is a major problem that needs to be addressed.
Some common signs and symptoms of adolescent depression, as stated by Smith and Segal (2015), are, “loss of interest in activities, sadness or hopelessness, irritability, withdrawal from friends and family, changes in eating and/or sleeping habits, feelings of guilt, lack of motivation/enthusiasm, fatigue, thoughts of death/suicide” (Smith & Segal, 2015). Contributing factors that can lead to higher risks of adolescent depression include gender, cognitive factors, and low socioeconomic status (Kislitsyna, 2010). As explained by Kislitsyna (2010), females may be at greater risk for developing depression because “girls are more socially oriented, more dependent on positive social relations, and more vulnerable to the loss of such relations”. Cognitive factors also play a role in the development of depression. For example, being pessimistic or if the adolescent feels as though they have no accomplishments to show for (Kislitsyna, 2010). An adolescent that is living with guardians who are depressed can also affect the adolescent (Kislitsyna, 2010). NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents
It’s interesting to read that adolescents living with depressed parents/guardians are subject to depression also. Have any of you had any career or personal experience with depression?
Kislitsyna, O. (2010). The social and economic risk factors of mental disorders of adolescents. Russian Education and Society, 52 (10), 66-84. DOI:10.2753/RES1060-9393521005.
Smith, M. & Segal, J. (2015). Parent’s guide to teen depression. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org
Topic 3 DQ 2
There are countless stressors that adolescents confront in their lifetime. These stressors are both internal and external. While it is easier to deal with internal stressors, external stressors may be hard to confront. These may leave the youths exposed and vulnerable to manipulation and prone to abuse. For example, facing the demands of peer pressure and family demands may be a considerable burden to overcome. NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents
According to Erick Erickson’s identity vs. role confusion, teens may find themselves wading into unknown and uncharted waters in the search for self-identity. Coping with peer pressure and the need for independence are some of the stressors that an adolescent must confront daily. The stressors that come with peer pressure and the need for independence from parents may not be limited to experimenting with drugs, alcohol, or sex; stressors that come with the need for independence may result in frequent conflict with family members, not getting involved in after-school activities, living a reserved life, or disengaging from other family obligations (Dyszlewski, (2014) NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents.
When faced with these challenges, youths need to have a support system that allows coping strategies such as: how to discuss and venting frustrations; teaching and modeling good emotional responses; learning relaxation techniques such as perform progressive muscle relaxation-repeatedly tensing and relaxing large muscles of the body, and bringing awareness of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol before experimentation begins (Dyszlewski, (2014).
Reference:
Dyszlewski, M. (2014, April). Teens, Stress and How Parents Can Help. Https://Www.Lifespan.Org/. https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/teens-stress-and-how-parents-can-help NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents
Topic 3 DQ 2 sample 3
From physical development to psychological stressors, the nurse must thoroughly assess all the teenage patient’s needs (Falkner,2018). Bullying and social networks some of the few stressors that adolescents may face today. Bullying within the adolescent community is a growing concern, affecting nearly 20–30% of students who admit being the perpetrator or victim of such harassment(Falkner,2018). Being bullied by peers is associated with poorer physical health, including psychosomatic problems in childhood. Persons who force and those who are bullied have consistently been found to have higher levels of depression, suicidal ideation, physical injury, distractibility, somatic problems, anxiety, low self-esteem, and school absenteeism than those not involved with bullying (Klein, Myhre, & Ahrendt,2013). Being bullied is associated with later adverse effects on self-efficacy (the capability to cope and recover from setbacks), self-esteem (sense of self-worth or value), peer and parent relations. NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents
Another primary source of change for teenagers is their social connections, such as friendships, peer influences, and social media. Teenagers often struggle with self-esteem as their bodies change. Social pressures portray idealistic images of perfection. If they do not fit the picture, they may fear social embarrassment (Falkner,2018). Spending countless hours a day, every day, gaming or perusing the Internet can interfere with young people’s emotional, physical, and intellectual development (Montgomery, Shannon, 2020).
Several stressors and significant life stages accompany the teenage years. They are encouraging teenagers to exercises the best way to deal with stress. It’s also essential to eat healthily, get enough sleep, and build relaxation time into busy schedules for teenagers to help deal with stress. Parents and caregivers should also be taught to listen carefully to teens’ problems and support them in sports and other pro-social activities (American Academy of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry, 2019). Reconnecting youth is a Peer-group-based approach instituted in the school setting to build coping skills and decreasing risk factors associated with substance abuse and emotional distress (Falkner,2018). NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents
Aacap.org. (2019). Stress Management and Teens. Retrieved from: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Helping-Teenagers-With-Stress-066.aspx
Falkner, A. (2018). Adolescent assessment. Health Promotion: Health and Wellness Across the Continuum (1st ed.). Grand Canyon University. Chapter 3.Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/3
Klein. D.A, Myhre. K.K., & Ahrendt. D.M, (2013). Bullying Among Adolescents: A Challenge in Primary Care. Am Fam Physician. Vol 88(2):87-92. Retrieved from
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0715/p87.html
Montgomery, Shannon C. (01/2020). “Peer social network processes and adolescent health behaviors: A systematic review”. Preventive medicine (0091-7435), 130, 105900. Retrieved from chttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.105900. NRS 434NV Topic 3 DQ 2 external stressors unique to adolescents
