Adolescence has always been a complicated time. It is a crucial transition period in a person's development, which involves many important social, psychological and biological changes that can disturb the adolescent's emotional balance and lead to inconsistencies and difficulties in the expression of self and emotions. .
This stage is especially relevant for the development of emotional regulation, since in this evolutionary context there is an increase in daily life problems, a greater number of negative emotions and a decrease in positive emotions, along with greater emotional fluctuations. , compared to childhood. Most adolescents learn to cope with these new challenges by acquiring, strengthening and refining the skills necessary to regulate and manage their emotions. But not all.
Currently we have the perception that there are more problems during adolescence than in the past. But it has always been a difficult time. Adolescents currently face more problems related to technology and social networks, changes in family structure that often make it difficult for adults to establish healthy family dynamics, and environments where time is dedicated to validation and, in the best cases, to emotional management.
Likewise, our adolescents face a society with greater academic competition where the pressure to excel has increased.
Some of the most notable problematic behaviors related to emotional dysregulation that we encounter in adolescence are:
- Impulsive behaviors
- Self-harm
- Substance abuse (alcohol/drugs)
- Social media abuse
- High risk sexual behaviors
- Social isolation
- School dropout
- Problems with the law
- Suicidal behaviors
- Impaired awareness of emotions, goals and values
- Frequent breakdown of relationships
- Anger lack of control
- Eating disorder
We are increasingly aware of the influence of family members and caregivers on the mental health of our adolescents. Successful emotion regulation is essential for psychosocial functioning and is clearly related to mental health.
Emotional validation is a process in which a person recognizes and accepts another person's feelings and emotions in a genuine and understanding way, without judging or trying to change those feelings. “It's about validating the teen's emotional experience, which means you're telling them that their emotions are legitimate and that they have the right to feel what they feel. This is the first step to be able to help our teenagers on a daily basis,” says Jessica Navarro.
