The Relationship Between Adolescents’ Coping Mechanisms and Behavioral Brain Functions Under Academic Stress

Akshaya Ganji; Aamuktha Yalamanchili

doi:10.58445/rars.2181

##article.authors##

Akshaya Ganji Adali E. Stevenson High School
Aamuktha Yalamanchili Adlai E. Stevenson High School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2181

Keywords:

Stress, Coping Mechanisms, Adolescents, Neuroscience, Brain Development

Abstract

Background: Most adolescents struggle to employ effective coping mechanisms when faced with stress, which can lead to diminished hippocampal responses to emotional stimuli and other disruptions in brain functions related to emotion.

Objectives: This paper examines the relationship between the absence of coping mechanisms and its impact on emotional brain functions, specifically behavioral fluctuations. By addressing these factors, we can foster awareness and implement strategies to improve adolescents' ability to manage stress effectively.

Methods: Participants for this study were recruited using systematic random sampling at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, involving 63 students: 25 from the 11th and 12th grades and 5 from the 10th grade. Informed consent was obtained, and verbatim transcriptions of interviews were thematically analyzed. Insights into adolescents' coping experiences with academic stress were explored using PubMed and other scholarly sources. Stressors identified included test anxiety, heavy homework loads, and familial and societal pressures.

Results: Adolescents manage stress through coping strategies such as seeking social support from friends and family, engaging in self-care activities like reading and exercising, and directly addressing academic challenges. However, some rely on avoidance mechanisms, such as procrastination, which are less effective. The efficacy of these strategies varies based on individual circumstances, with adaptive approaches promoting emotional resilience over time.

Conclusions: Cultural influences significantly shape coping behaviors, emphasizing the importance of culturally tailored interventions. Effective strategies should focus on enhancing resilience through adaptive coping, building social support networks, and encouraging self-care practices. Despite these findings, gaps remain in understanding the intersection of cultural factors and coping mechanisms. Future research must address diverse backgrounds to create inclusive, effective interventions that empower adolescents to manage stress while bolstering their emotional health.

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