About Teen Stress

Teens experience a wide range of stressors that can affect their physical, psychological and emotional well-being. Some of the typical reasons teens experience too much stress include physical and hormonal changes, peer pressure, dating, sex and relationships, issues related to self-esteem, family problems, parental conflict and academic concerns. According to a 2007 joint survey by MTV and the Associated Press, teens cite school as their biggest source of stress, with homework coming in 5th and grades in 7th place.

Effects of Teen Stress

Stress can cause negative effects in a variety of areas. Teens might experience declining grades, have anxiety attacks, feel irritable or pressured, experience physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches or act out in unhealthy ways, such as drinking, smoking or overeating. A study published in the November 2006 issue of the "Journal of Adolescent Health," found that teen stress was positively correlated with an increased risk of smoking. Another study published in 2000 in the journal "Substance Use and Misuse" found that teens who experienced high stress levels, parental conflict and a lack of social support were more likely to indulge in frequent and/or intense alcohol abuse.

Effects of Teen Stress on Grades

Becky Beacom, the health education manager for the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, performed a survey on stress levels in 124 adolescents. The results of this survey showed that 55 percent of teens felt that their top concerns were about grades or GPA, tests, worries about college and finals and that these concerns were, by far, the most frequent reasons they experienced stress. Stressed-out teens who normally achieve excellent or average grades might find that their grades decline or that they might even be in danger of failing. Stress-related academic decline can occur for many reasons, such as difficulty concentrating, too much parental pressure, increased fatigue, lack of motivation or skipping classes.

What Parents Can Do

Parents can support their stressed-out teens and help them improve their academic performance in a number of important ways. You might help your teen develop a regular schedule and help her prioritize important responsibilities. Ask her when her big exams are and help her make room in her schedule so that she has enough time to study and prepare. Set aside space in your home so that she has a dedicated study space, and try to limit distractions during study time. Most importantly, let her know that you love and support her no matter what, and that your love and support is not based on her academic achievement. If your efforts don't help, consider hiring a tutor and/or consulting a qualified mental health professional.