Does the stress in childhood and adolescence matter? A psychological perspective

Abstract

Although stress in adults is well researched and acknowledged, little has been discussed on the existence and reactions of children and adolescents to stress, despite the mounting evidence that they are frequently among the most affected victims of a variety of threatening events. In reality stress is a normal part of a child’s or adolescent’s life and encompasses common, developmental stressors of daily life and those arising from unusual or traumatic experiences. Apart from more well known stress from family instability, poverty and life transitions, it is easy to forget or ignore the many school pressures and increasingly common social phenomenon of the ‘hurried child’ in modern life. We can make plans of intervention and prevention only when the condition is recognised by the health care professionals.