[Coping with Stress During Childhood and Adolescence]

Coping with Stress During Childhood and Adolescence Humans already start to show stress responses on a physical and mental level in early childhood. Numerous studies have demonstrated age- and gender-related differences in experiencing and managing stress. During the transitional period of adolescence young people often experience higher stress-levels. This might lead to a higher vulnerability for maladaptive stress responses. In other words, adolescents who do not have adequate coping strategies to deal with the developmental challenges of puberty might be at risk for later physical and mental symptoms. On the other hand, adequate coping strategies represent a protective factor. Therefore, education and prevention in home and school settings are of particular relevance for adolescent age groups.