Teens
Teens are undergoing dramatic changes. In addition to the biological changes of puberty, they experience cognitive changes that allow them to think more abstractly. They become increasingly focused on friends. And as they seek greater independence, they often come into conflict with parents. Most get through adolescence with few problems, establishing identities and preparing for adulthood. Some, however, experience problems that lead to dropping out of school, drug use or crime.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
What You Can Do
- Facing the school dropout dilemma
This article seeks to complement and supplement the APA resolution on school dropout prevention with data from more recent research on child development, early childhood education, and social and emotional learning that helps to define the school dropout dilemma.
- Communication tips for parents
Parenting is hard work, but there are things you can do to maintain a good connection with your children and keep the lines of communication open.
- Staying connected: A guide for parents on raising an adolescent daughter
Take a look at this informative brochure that covers topics including: puberty, peer groups, self-esteem, sexuality, mood swings, rebellion, and much more.
- Resilience for teens: Got bounce?
Ten tips to build resilience.
- Teens
A collection of research studies with a real-world applications, designed to help improve our understanding of teens with regards to bullying, suicide, smoking, rehabilitating juvenile offenders, coaching and reducing risky sexual behaviors.
Getting Help
- Find a Psychologist
- Parenting: The teen years
The teen years pose some of the most difficult challenges for families. Teenagers, dealing with hormone changes and an ever-complex world, may feel that no one can understand their feelings, especially parents. As a result, the teen may feel angry, alone and confused while facing complicated issues about identity, peers, sexual behavior, drinking and drugs.
News
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High school, college students losing sleep over tech
August 30, 2010, ABC News
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Smoking can increase depressive symptoms in teens, study finds
August 27, 2010, Science Daily
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Substance use may start in adolescence
August 25, 2010, BBC News
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Tips for teens leaving for college
August 18, 2010, ABC News
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Examining why teenagers act out
August 15, 2010, NPR
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In and out of trouble
August 1, 2010, BBC News
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Analyzing adolescence
March 2010
- Ending an epidemic
March 2010
- Prevention works
September 2009
- Contact sports may put teens at risk for rare degenerative brain disease
May 2009
Books
- Narcissism and Machiavellianism in Youth
August 2010
- Elusive Alliance
May 2010
- Preventing Youth Substance Abuse
August 2006
- Emerging Adults in America
December 2005
APA Offices and Programs
- Children, Youth, and Families
The Children, Youth and Families Office supports the work of the APA Committee on Children, Youth and Families and serves as liaison with other APA divisions, related organizations, state associations and federal agencies.