[Coping strategies of adolescents and their significance for counseling]

This study investigated the problem solving strategies in adolescents. An anonymous, open questionnaire was employed. The descriptive analysis of the results show that personal discussion on the pertinent problems is the most common strategy, whereas other methods for overcoming problems (groups, institutions, financial and social aid etc.) are underrepresented. Approximately 1/6 of the adolescents are unable to comment on ways of solving problems specific to their age-group. Moreover, it is striking that only ca. 20% of the adolescents have realistic knowledge about the working methods of the respective institutions. The statistical analysis differentiates these effects according to the variables sex, age, and education. In the concluding section the consequences for institutional youth counselling are discussed. It is emphasized that ideas about counselling possibilities should become more realistic. In addition, the combination of social and psychotherapeutic interventions is suggested.