Emotion regulation

Emotion regulation is the ability to examine, evaluate and modify one’s emotions and behaviours in order to engage appropriately in varying contexts. Emotion regulation allows an individual to recognise when certain emotions are suitable, and when they are not. Through self-control of emotions, adolescents are able to establish peer relations more successfully, adapt to changing environments and successfully navigate the social world. Problems with emotion regulation can lead the individual to either suppress their feelings or express them in a way that is inappropriate for the setting. It can similarly lead to heightened anxiety or aggression in adolescence, exacerbated by hormonal changes during this phase. With emotional fluctuations during adolescence, families may often feel that they cannot predict their adolescents’ mood, which can lead to conflict. In particular, adolescents can misinterpret or overstate their emotions, leading to challenges in the communication and expression of emotions.

Behavioural challenges

Adolescent behaviours can be internalised (those directed towards the self, including restricted eating, low mood and substance abuse), or externalised (those directed towards others, including physical violence or aggression). While externalised behaviours gain more attention, both have negative consequences for the adolescent.

Behavioural challenges can be a result of changes to the immediate environment, such as a new school, blended families, the loss of a sports game or unexpected result on an exam. However, these behaviours can also represent less obvious signs of mood disorders, anxiety or adjustment problems.

During adolescence, individuals can engage in high risk and dangerous behaviours including unsafe sexual activity, self-injurious behaviour or substance abuse. These behaviours require attention and indicate that the adolescent is not coping with the current challenges, or is not aware of the consequences related to their actions.