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The purpose of this brief is to summarize key points from the presentation by Jennifer Pfeifer, Professor of Psychology at the University of Oregon and Co-Director of the Center for Translational Neuroscience. Dr. Pfeifer’s presentation was the first of three at the 2023 Oregon Family Impact Seminars. Information about the approach taken in Family Impact Seminars model can be found online HERE. We focus on nonpartisan, solution-oriented dialogue, with a focus on the impact of policies on families.

The topic of the 2023 Oregon Family Impact Seminar was Youth and Family Mental Health. The state of youth and family mental health in the US is concerning, especially for those living in Oregon. The state ranks 50 in the US for the highest prevalence of mental illness and has the lowest rates of access to care (Reinert et al., 2021). Oregon has 800,000 youth under the age of 18 and 21% of youth between the ages of 12 and 17 report having a mental illness (Hayden, 2023). Policy and practices that support positive youth development are essential for building mental health (Kendall-Taylor & Fuligni, 2022). Dr. Pfeifer’s presentation laid the foundation for the seminar by describing six unique developmental needs during adolescence, which need to be considered in family policies impacting youth and their families.

Why Adolescence Matters

The adolescent period, between 10 and 25 years of age (see figure 1; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine et al., 2019), is characterized by dynamic biological, cognitive, and social changes (Sisk & Gee, 2022). Adolescence is a sensitive period in which experiences and social connections influence lifelong health and wellbeing (Sisk & Gee, 2022). Changes across developmental domains are positively impacted by supportive relationships, environments, and experiences (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine et al., 2019).

Policy Implications

The family, school, and community are three influential contexts for adolescents. Based on the information shared in this brief, there are policy implications within each of these areas. Although policy examples may fit within a given context, improving conditions in one environment (e.g., positive family relationships) will likely have an indirect and positive impact in other areas (e.g., academic achievement and community involvement).

Beyond the basic needs of food, housing, and quality academic education, there are six unique developmental needs in adolescence (UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent, n.d.).

• Safe and Satisfying Ways to Explore and Take Healthy Risks
• Real-World Opportunities to Build • Positive Ways to Receive
• Warm and Supportive Relationships with Parents and Caring Adults
• Experiences that Help
• Avenues to Develop a Sense of Meaning and Purpose by Contributing

Safe and Satisfying Ways to Explore and Take Healthy Risks

Exploration and risk-taking are fundamental to learning the skills and knowledge to thrive as adults (Shefska & Backes, 2020; Sisk & Gee, 2022). The adolescent brain is particularly sensitive to positive feelings that come from new experiences, and these feelings are amplified when interacting with peers (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine et al., 2019; Shefska & Backes, 2020). Caregivers and other caring adults (e.g., coaches) can support healthy outcomes for youth by ensuring the opportunities to explore, take positive risks, and learn from mistakes are available equally to all young people (Shefska & Backes, 2020; Sisk & Gee, 2022).

Real-World Opportunities to Build

During adolescence, young people are more sensitive to social feedback which helps them adapt to social situations but can also make rejection and exclusion more painful (Fuligni & Galván, 2022). Sensitivity to peer acceptance influences more risky decisions, especially when emotions are high. Adults can help youth learn to manage emotions and make good decisions by modeling positive coping skills and providing youth with real-world practice to make healthy decisions (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine et al., 2019)

Positive Ways to Receive

Cognitive growth and changing hormones increase youth’s attention to social status and make positive attention feel more rewarding (Shefska & Backes, 2020). Cognitive and biological changes motivate youth to be aware of the social world in ways that help them learn skills to navigate adulthood. Programs that provide positive opportunities to earn respect appear to be more effective during the mid-adolescent years ages 14-16 (Shefska & Backes, 2020). Experiences where adolescents feel disrespected, including racism, discrimination, and other forms of exclusion, are amplified and create barriers to healthy development (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine et al., 2019; Sisk & Gee, 2022). Efforts to eliminate or reduce exposure to racism, bias, and bullying are especially important in the adolescent years (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine et al., 2019; Sisk & Gee, 2022). Adults should foster ways to channel youths’ need for respect and admiration into positive activities that help young people find a meaningful place in the world.

Warm and Supportive Relationships with Parents and Caring Adults

Secure, supportive relationships with parents and caring adults promote adolescent wellbeing, prevent negative outcomes, and help youth develop a clear sense of self and identity (Fuligni & Galván, 2022). The family plays an important role by increasing feelings of belonging and reducing unhealthy risk-taking (McConnell et al., 2016; Sisk & Gee, 2022). Strong family relationships have additional benefits for youth experiencing racism or other forms of discrimination (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine et al., 2019). For youth of color, families can support positive racial and ethnic identity, and for LGBTQ youth, family support improves emotional and physical health (McConnell et al., 2016). Other caring adults such as mentors, coaches, and teachers can positively impact youths’ well-being. Given the important influence of adults in the lives of youth, it is vital to ensure families and caring adults have the social and economic support to maintain these critical relationships with youth.

Experiences that Help

A sense of identity impacts the choices youth make (Shefska & Backes, 2020). For example, if an adolescent views themself as a hard-working student, they may skip a party to stay home and study. Adolescence is also a key window for understanding racial-ethnic and sexual identities (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine et al., 2019). Societal messages that support pride in identity are important to adolescents’ wellbeing. To build a positive sense of identity, young people need opportunities to explore their place in the world, set their own goals, and determine how they want to be seen, without being defined by others through negative stereotypes (Shefska & Backes, 2020).

Avenues to Develop Meaning and Purpose by Contributing

Cognitive and social changes in adolescence increase the ability to contribute to others and the positive feelings associated with altruistic interactions (Do et al., 2017; Fuligni, 2019). Contributing can help youth earn the respect and appreciation of peers. Contributing also helps youth develop a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives (Fuligni & Galván, 2022). Opportunities to make meaningful contributions, such as helping friends, family members, social groups, and communities, can support positive development in adolescence.

Conclusion

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth, development, and learning as youth discover and adapt to the world around them. Young people forge a sense of who they are and who they aspire to be. Adolescents learn to make decisions, manage emotions, and create deeper connections with peers, romantic partners, and others in the communities. Through supportive connections with others, young people build resilience, and develop interests, passions, and meaningful goals that shape their adult lives. Patton and colleagues (2016) state, “Investments in adolescent health and wellbeing bring a triple dividend of benefits – now, into future adult life, and for the next generation of children.” The six developmental needs of adolescence can guide such investments to improve and support youth and family mental health.