Mental health in adolescents: transition and social pressure

Authors

Adolescence is a stage in which vulnerability to academic and social pressure tends to increase. According to the WHO, during this period adolescents face “identity formation and increased pressure to adapt to social expectations,” which raises emotional difficulties (WHO, 2025). Academic stress can affect adolescents’ performance and well-being, manifesting in different ways such as irritability and anxiety. Likewise, family communication plays an important role, as it functions as a protective strategy when it is open and non-judgmental.

How can we identify whether academic pressure is affecting an adolescent’s mental health?

Academic stress is one of the main causes of emotional distress in adolescents. In a study, Velásquez and Porras (2023) found that 89% of students perceive stress as a negative component of their academic performance, producing emotions such as sadness, anger, irritability, and anxiety. In addition, this stress can affect areas such as sleep and motivation. The WHO considers that changes in these areas should be taken as warning signs when they begin to affect daily life. Besides its impact on behavior, stress may also physically affect adolescents, showing symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, or loss of appetite. All of these symptoms may be related to a physiological response to stress.

What strategies can parents use to maintain open dialogue with adolescents about their emotional well-being?

Communication is a fundamental tool for establishing trust between parents and adolescents. Chaudhary (2021) explains that during adolescence, communication barriers may arise because adolescents seek autonomy, their emotions intensify, and peer influence is strong. According to Chaudhary (2021), the most effective strategies include active and empathetic listening, choosing appropriate moments, validating emotions, and respecting autonomy.
Active and empathetic listening seeks to create a non-judgmental environment where the adolescent feels heard and understood; this involves listening attentively without interrupting and responding empathetically.

Choosing appropriate moments means having conversations in a calm space where everyone can express themselves freely. When validating emotions, it is essential to acknowledge what the adolescent is feeling without minimizing it. Finally, to respect the adolescent’s autonomy, Chaudhary (2021) recommends involving adolescents in decision-making and valuing their opinions in order to strengthen family bonds

Conclusion

Academic and social pressure can become an important factor affecting adolescents’ emotional well-being. This pressure is associated with emotional and behavioral changes that may interfere with academic performance and daily life. However, open, empathetic, and respectful family communication can act as a protective factor against these symptoms.

References

Chaudhary, A. (2021). Navigating the Adolescent Communication Challenge: Strategies for Building Trust and Connection between Parents and Teens. In Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Invertis University.
Velasquez Ramírez, D. D., Porras Mainato, L. K., Autores, Zárate Depraect, Soto Decuir, Castro Castro, & Quintero Salazar. (2023). El estrés académico en los adolescentes. In REVISTA JUVENTUD Y CIENCIA SOLIDARIA (Vol. 1, pp. 113–117) [Journal-article]. https://dspace.ups.edu.ec/bitstream/123456789/29284/1/Rev_Juv_Cie_Sol_1720.pdf
World Health Organization: WHO. (2025, September 1). La salud mental de los adolescentes. https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health