Adolescents Matter

July 23, 2009

Adolescence can prove stressful for both kids and parents. Now a University of Florida study suggests that letting adolescents know they matter could cut a lot of anxiety.

Dr Andrea Dixon/UF education researcher: “What that means is taking a significant individual interest in the student. It’s not just involving them in a sports team or an academic group, its also taking one-on-one time with students and saying you matter to us; when you’re not here we notice you’re not here and that takes effort and that takes attention.”

Experts say at least one in ten adolescents will experience anxiety and depression, and the levels for younger teens or pre-teens are even higher.

Dr Andrea Dixon/UF education researcher: “What’s interesting is that at the age range of 11-14, which is what we consider young adolescents, one in five is expected to as least experience some sort of anxiety and/or depression, which are coupled together, so rates in the United States are very high.”

Researchers say extra effort and attention from loved ones lowers anxiety levels, and builds a strong sense of self-worth.