Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
06:15
A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
15.8K
Adolescent fears: Some Caribbean findings
1Faculty of Education, University of the West Indies, P.O. Box 64, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|November 27, 2013
Summary
Adolescents in Barbados frequently fear injury, death, sexual concerns, and school failure. Unique local fears like the dark and animals were also prominent, influenced by culture and media.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Cultural Studies
Background:
- Adolescent fears can vary significantly based on cultural and environmental factors.
- Understanding these fears is crucial for effective psychological support and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze the prevalent fears among adolescents in Barbados.
- To explore the influence of local conditions and media on adolescent anxieties.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 657 adolescents aged 12-15 years in Barbados.
- Participants responded to an open-ended question about their specific fears.
Main Results:
- The most common fears included injury/death of self or loved ones, sexual concerns, and school failure.
- Fears of the dark, lonely roads, and animals were also prominent, reflecting local context.
- Media influence was noted, with concerns about nuclear war and exaggerated safety threats.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent fears in Barbados are shaped by a combination of universal concerns and unique local/cultural factors.
- There is a clear need for enhanced sex and family life education programs for this age group.
- Guidance and counseling services should be tailored to address these specific adolescent anxieties.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
1.0K
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
1.0K
03:34Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
40.5K
Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships.
40.5K
01:09Preparedness and Phobias
477
Human fear responses to certain stimuli, such as darkness, heights, deep water, and blood, can often arise despite the absence of direct negative experiences. This phenomenon is rooted in evolutionary psychology, which posits that humans have developed a predisposition to fear stimuli that historically posed significant survival threats. This predisposition, known as preparedness, suggests that early humans who developed a fear of potentially dangerous entities, such as venomous snakes and...
477
02:16Surveys
14.4K
Often, psychologists develop surveys as a means of gathering data. Surveys are lists of questions to be answered by research participants, and can be delivered as paper-and-pencil questionnaires, administered electronically, or conducted verbally. Generally, the survey itself can be completed in a short time, and the ease of administering a survey makes it easy to collect data from a large number of people.
14.4K
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
419
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
419
01:18Anxiety: Overview
1.3K
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
1.3K