The Common Sources of Stress

The following are the usual sources of stress in an adolescent’s life.

1. Physical appearance

Adolescence is accompanied by certain changes in the physical features of an individual. One’s

height, weight, body figure, skin problems, and the like are common issues for adolescents. The
desire to look good to others does cause stress among them.

2. School/Academic pressure

Many adolescents often feel stressed about academic and extracurricular requirements such as
recitation, daily seatwork, quiz, project, homework, examination, and graded performance. The
desire to pass subjects and courses and its entailed sacrifices (e.g. rigorous reviewing,
researching, beating deadlines, sleepless nights, etc.) generates pressures and stresses. These
stressed, nonetheless, are helpful and necessary.

3. Family/Home

Family issues may also bring about stress. Changes in the family situation such as divorce or
annulment of parents usually result in new living arrangements and other stressful conditions
(e.g. having blended family, lacking privacy, having to adjust to new residence and school, etc.)
Conflict with parents, sibling rivalry, and the obligation to look after younger siblings also
generate stress.

4. Social/Peer pressure

Stress can also be the result of the pressure an adolescent gets from his/her friends or other
teenagers. These may include pressures to cut classes, to smoke, or to experience with alcohol,
drug, or sexual activities. There may also be pressure from the bullying or harassment by fellow
adolescents. The combination of these pressures may lead to stress overload.

5. Loss

The loss of a loved one – a family member, relative, or friend – also creates stress. Relatedly,
breaking up with boyfriend/girlfriend, ending a friendship, and separation from a much loved
work also produce a sense of loss, are stressful as well. These may lead to losing one’s self-worth
and the appetite to socialize or attend classes.

6. Frustration

Failures to reach goals or carry out plans result in stress. Some frustrations are due to
uncontrollable factors such as natural disasters, stormy weather, or sudden brownout. These
may lead to stressful stressful situations such as inability to take examinations or finish a research
assignment. The so-called “hassles and uplifts of everyday life” are potential sources of stress
too.
7. Romantic relationships

Adolescence is a stage in which romantic relationships usually blossom and bloom. Both having a
boyfriend/girlfriend and not having one generates stress among teenagers. There are those who
are not in a relationship who feels that they lack something. Those who are in a relationship, on
the other hand, deal with love quarrels, disagreements, arguments, conflicts, “emotional roller
coaster,” and other complications brought about by the relationship.

8. Future

Adolescents also think about their future, especially those in the late adolescence. Not knowing
what one really wants to be in the future can be stressful. Equally worrying is knowing what one
wants to be but unable to attain it due to factors such as financial constraints and skill or aptitude
mismatch.

The Effects of Stress

The common effects of stress can be grouped into four classifications:

1. Physical – Stress increases the level of adrenaline and corticosterone in the body, which in turn
leads to an increased heart-rate, respiration, and blood-pressure and puts more physical stress
on body organs. Especially when stress becomes long term, it may lead to illnesses such as heart
disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Other disorders related to stress are stomachaches,
headaches, digestive disorders, and body pains. Stressed individuals may also experience
insomnia or sleeplessness, colds and infections, nervousness and shaking, excessive perspiration,
and sweaty palms and feet.

2. Emotional – Stressed individuals are prone to agitation, impatience, irritability, and moodiness.
When stress is too much, there may be a feeling of being overwhelmed by pressures and
powerlessness to control things. Stressed person may feel bad about themselves and are usually
not in the mood to socialize.

3. Cognitive – The thoughts of stressed individuals are filled with worrying. As a result, they
commonly become forgetful and disorganized. As negative thoughts cloud their minds, they
subsequently become pessimistic.

4. Behavioral – Due to stress, changes in behavior also occur. Some stressed people lose appetite
while others tend to overeat. When overstressed, many tend to procrastinate and avoid
responsibilities. Some may even engage in drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or smoking cigarettes.
Nervous behaviors may also come about such as fidgeting, pacing, nail biting.