How Self Compassion Can Help Teens De Stress
By Jessica Morey
Teen stress is higher than ever before. In a 2014 national survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 31% of teens aged 13 to 17 reported their stress increased in the previous year and 42% reported they were not doing enough to manage their stress. Teens who experience more stress are prone to depression and perform worse in school.
How can we reverse this trend and foster more emotional well-being during this crucial developmental stage for teens? More and more experts are looking within for answers.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude can reduce stress and support health and well-being in teens. During the study, 132 teens learned strategies for concentrating better, being more accepting of present moment experiences, and adopting an attitude of care, human connection, and self-acceptance. Participants were also encouraged to take on a critical understanding of stress. When people are more aware of what they’re feeling, they can start to notice what triggers negative emotions and what soothes them. Teens who cultivated a greater sense of inner kindness and sympathy toward the difficulties in their life were the least stressed, least depressed, and most satisfied with their lives after the retreat.
To find out more about the studies of emotional well-being from the Greater Good Science Center, read the full article here: How Self Compassion Can Help Teens De-stress