Adolescence is a short period of dramatic physical, mental and emotional development. For few, the switching to adulthood is an easy transition, while for most, it is a period of stress.
Various factors that lead to stress in adolescents are:
Physical changes : They undergo many important physical changes in their bodies. The rapid growth in the body can lead to nutritional deficiencies if balanced diet is not taken. Teens must accept the changes as they develop mentally, physically and emotionally.
Social pressure : Social pressure is another common cause of stress for adolescents. Most of the teens try to fit in the friends group around them and under peer pressure they struggle a lot to socialize with their friends and classmates in order to win their approval. They might also fall under the trap of peer pressure or social pressure and end up indulging in activities such as drinking alcohol, smoking, consuming drugs, etc., just to be accepted in the society.
Academic burden : School and academic concern are the biggest cause of creating stress for.most of the adolescents. The academic work pressure such as completion of homework, scoring well in examinations, participating in co-curricular activities and sports are the greatest causes of stress for teens. They might also feel stressed due to parental expectation of high scores.
Family environment : Family issues such as unhealthy environment within the family, domestic violence, parents separating or divorcing, death or illness in the family can cause more stress in the teen’s life. Lack of understanding between siblings or parents contributes to increased stress levels.
Peer Pressure : Adolescents may have a big group of friends still they undertake a lot of stress which causes a negative effect on them. Popularity is important for them and a lack of it can create feelings of loneliness and depression.
