Best Coping Skills For Kids, According To Science

Vanderbilt University conducted a meta-analysis of more than 80,000 young people and the over 200 different coping as well as emotional regulation skills they use. As research pours in that teenagers are more anxious, more depressed, and more likely to attempt suicide than before, empowering kids with adequate coping skills is essential. Though there are studies indicating that drug and alcohol abuse is down across most teenagers, the adolescents and teens who are abusing drugs and alcohol are doing so in dangerously high quantities. Published in
Psychological Bulleting,
the study separated coping skills into five main categories:
- Problem solving
- Emotional suppression
- Cognitive reappraisal
- Distraction
- Avoidance
What the researchers found
What the researchers found from their extensive study is not surprising or shocking news to those who have participated in traditional twelve step recovery. Well-known phrases like Living life on life's terms indicate the overarching theme of what the study found. According to Research News at Vanderbilt , the researchers ...found that when the subjects used adaptive strategies, like looking at a problem in a different way, engaging in problem solving or pursuing constructive communication, they were better able to manage the adverse effects of stress, one of the researchers explained. ‘ Those who used maladaptive strategies like suppressing, avoiding or denying their feelings, had higher levels of problems associated with stress.Living life on life's terms
Recovery has many inspiring catchphrases like living life on life's terms that serve as a reminder that not everything, or everyone, is in our control. The researchers comment on how adaptive coping strategies relinquish the attempt to control the uncontrollable- a tool anyone in recovery is instructed to learn from the moment they memorize the serenity prayer. Calling for acceptance of what cannot be changed, courage to change what can be changed, and wisdom to know the difference between the two is the foundation for life skills. Through treatment, therapy, and ongoing participation in recovery, more focused adaptive coping skills are gained in order to efficiently cope with life and its many uncontrollable, unchangeable terms. Individuals in recovery learn to stop fighting the relentless tide of life and adapt to the flow more willingly, openly, and peacefully. As a result, they stop turning to drugs and alcohol to cope.Stonewater Adolescent Recovery offers a life-cleansing, foundation-building program to adolescent and teenage boys needing clinical care for addiction and/or alcoholism. Located in the remote Mississippi countryside, our beautiful home offers the perfect environment and privacy for total transformation in mind, body, and spirit.
Call us today for information on our programs for treatment and academic support: 662-598-4214