Discussion: stress and adjustment issues

Children, adolescents, and families are exposed to a wide range of stresses such as divorce, remarriage, the loss of a loved one, acquisition of a family member, changing schools, or military deployments. Although stress is considered an external force or trigger, children and adolescents can impose stress on themselves through unhealthy or maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Often, these stresses are diagnosed as adjustment disorders.

For this Discussion, select a child or adolescent stress or adjustment issue. Consider how this stress or adjustment issue manifests itself and what factors may influence its manifestation.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 3

Post a brief description of the child or adolescent stress or adjustment issue you selected. Then, explain one way culture, gender, or social factors might influence the manifestation of the stress or adjustment issue and how. Finally, explain which factor or manifestation of the adjustment issue may be the most difficult for you to address and why. Be specific and use examples.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the week’s resources.

Required Readings

Cook, E. C., Chaplin, T.M., Sinha, R., Tebes, J.K., & Mayes, L.C. (2002). The stress response and adolescents’ adjustment: The impact of child maltreatment. Journal of Youth and Adolecence, 41(8), 1067-1077.

As you review this article, consider stress and adjustment during adolescence. Focus on the effects of stress and how adolescents react.

Keller, P. S., Cummings, E. M., Peterson, K. M., & Davies, P. T. (2009). Marital conflict in the context of parental depressive symptoms: Implications for the development of children’s adjustment problems. Social Development, 18(3), 536–555.

As you review this article, consider how marital conflict creates internal and external symptoms for children and adolescents. Focus on how these symptoms can further develop into behavioral problems.

Miller, L. D., Short, C., Garland, E. J., & Clark, S. (2010). The ABCs of CBT (cognitive behavior therapy): Evidence-based approaches to child anxiety in public school settings. Journal of Counseling & Development, 88(4), 432–439.

As you review this article, consider the results of this study. Focus on how CBT might be used as a treatment approach in your professional practice.

Rew, L., Principe, C., & Hannah, D. (2012). Changes in stress and coping during late childhood and preadolescence. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 25(3), 130–140.
As you review this article, consider stress and coping skills in children and adolescents. Focus on how this information might inform your professional practice.

Document: DSM-5 Bridge Document: Trauma, Stress, and Adjustment (PDF)
Use this document to guide your understanding of trauma, stress, and adjustment for this week’s Discussion.