I just hope for their sake they manage to survive this phase of their life and be able to look back and reflect positively upon what they experienced and learned. Otherwise they'll wind up just being some hospital statistic. Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. I too, would answer that with a qualified 'yes'. However, I'm going to be hypocritical and say that I've felt a deep satisfaction from going through those situations.
Competition is just a means of being recognized as the best.
I've loved contests, and it has broadened my love for the sports of surfing and bodyboarding. I like to get my ego stroked once in a while. However, after a few years, the trophies just become a meaningless pile of plastic, with only a few precious memories within. I think age has a lot to do with the desire to succeed and be recognized. I was a late bloomer, so when I finally could compete athletically, my chosen arena was the ocean.