Stress and Coping in Adolescents: A Review of the Literature

Background: Stress and coping in adolescents are very underdeveloped fields of study. When an individual experiences high levels of stress, the body can no longer maintain a state of equilibrium, thus affecting one's ability to cope. The stressors that are most predominant within the adolescent population include stressors related to socioeconomic status, finances, academics, and relationships with both peers and parents. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to define stress and explore the challenges that adolescents face when dealing with stress. The population studied is adolescents, thus the articles reviewed in this paper are focused on the adolescent population. Method: Multiple peer-reviewed journals, books, and dissertations were analyzed to gather data about stress and coping in adolescents. Findings: The observed characteristics, symptoms, and behaviors of a patient living with academic stress related to an unsupportive home environment included suicidal ideation, self-harm, and ineffective coping. Literature supports the use of mindfulness-based therapies, cognitive behavioral therapies, and dialectic behavioral therapy within the adolescent population. Conclusion: It is crucial that the professional nurse assesses current stressors, support systems, and the adolescent’s perceived control over the present stressors. This understanding allows the professional nurse to develop interventions with the adolescent that will facilitate effective, lifelong coping strategies. These strategies will also prevent potential lifelong medical complications that are associated with experiencing increased stress at a younger age. Patrick S. Bennett, Bethney D. Hernandez, Kendel N. Wiercinski, Samuel P. Abraham* Bronson School of Nursing, Western Michigan University, Battle Creek, Michigan, USA Bronson School of Nursing, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Bronson School of Nursing, Western Michigan University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Associate Professor of Nursing, Bethel University, 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Indiana, USA Submission: 21 April 2019 Accepted: 28 April 2019 Published: 30 May 2019 www.ijsrm. humanjournals.com Citation: Samuel P. Abraham et al. Ijsrm.Human, 2019; Vol. 12 (3): 41-50. 42 INTRODUCTION Stress is defined as “the imprecise response of the body to any demand for change” [1]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) propagated that stress can be either positive or negative [2]. Stress can be positive when it enhances an individual's focus and encourages skill development. Stress is considered negative when it is prolonged or impacts an individual's ability to function [2]. When an individual experience high levels of stress, the body can no longer maintain a state of equilibrium, thus affecting one's ability to cope [1]. Within today’s society, adolescents face an abundance of stressors. Some of the stressors this age group experiences include financial difficulties, academic performance, social status, opinions of peers, romantic relationships, and relationships with parents [1]. If an individual does not have adequate coping skills, this can lead to many negative health outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges that adolescents encounter when dealing with stress and coping. Research question: What challenges do adolescents face when dealing with stress and coping?