NRS 434 Adolescence: Contemporary Issues and Resources
NRS 434 Adolescence. Research the range of contemporary issues teenagers face today. In a 500-750-word paper, choose one issue (besides teen pregnancy) and discuss its effect on adolescent behavior and overall well-being. Include the following in your submission:
Describe the contemporary issue and explain what external stressors are associated with this issue.
Outline assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient. Describe what additional assessment questions you would need to ask and define the ethical parameters regarding what you can and cannot share with the parent or guardian.
Discuss support options for adolescents encountering external stressors. Include specific support options for the contemporary issue you presented.
NRS 434 Adolescence Answer
Adolescence: Contemporary Issues and Resources
A significant contemporary issue affecting adolescents is depression. As reported by Kroning and Kroning (2016), a notable 20% of teenagers aged 15 to 18 grapple with depression before they reach adulthood. Depression manifests when adolescents develop persistent feelings of sadness that disrupt their daily lives, including their social interactions, self-esteem, and academic performance. Parents play a crucial role in identifying and intervening in depressive symptoms among teenagers. Early recognition and intervention are vital in addressing this issue (Beal, 2018).NRS 434 Adolescence
External Stressors
Depression in teenagers can be attributed to various external stressors. These stressors encompass academic pressures, social expectations, family conflicts, financial constraints, experiences of discrimination, bullying, and societal prejudices, such as those stemming from belonging to a minority group or body image concerns (Beal, 2018). Adolescents often face immense pressure from their parents and teachers to excel academically. However, individuals have diverse coping mechanisms, and not everyone can withstand this academic pressure, which may lead to elevated stress levels and depression. Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle choices contribute to depression among teenagers. Habits like irregular meal schedules, disrupted sleep patterns, and the consumption of unhealthy fast food and sugary products can exacerbate stress levels.NRS 434 Adolescence
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria offer a valuable framework for screening depression and its external stressors among teenagers. Both parents and teenagers need to be vigilant in recognizing behavioral and emotional changes associated with depression. These alterations may include low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, suicidal ideation, guilt, poor concentration, mood swings, diminished energy, decreased interest in previously enjoyable activities, substance abuse, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).NRS 434 Adolescence
References:
Beal, A. C. (2018). Supporting Adolescents with Depression. Pediatrics, 141(3), e20174081.
Kroning, M., & Kroning, M. (2016). Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work (3rd ed.). Pearson.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
