Do Teen Girls & Boys Handle Stress Differently?

Unhealthy Coping Strategies

• According to John Hopkins, aggression, getting into fights and avoiding stress are unhealthy coping mechanisms. For teens, a healthy alternative to avoiding or distracting themselves from stress is to engage in an activity such as keeping a journal. This provides a healthy outlet, even if it's kept private. An alternative to becoming orally or physically aggressive is for teens to engage in an activity such as writing, drawing, talking to a friend, listening to music or taking a break.

Assertive Communication

• Boys said the biggest part of their higher stress levels stemmed from authority figures such as teachers and parents while girls attributed their stress to their friendships with girls and romantic relationships with boys, according to John Hopkins School of Public Health. Rather than ignoring or holding their feelings in, or ruminating over problems, which can lead to more stress, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends learning to be assertive, rather than passive or aggressive, because it will cut down on unnecessary stress. For example, your teen can learn to say to a pushy friend, "Please don't touch my things. I feel angry when you go in my locker without asking."

Parental Assistance

• Although teenage boys and girls react differently to stress, parents can take similar steps to help both genders. AACAP recommends that parents take note of their teen's stress levels and whether they're affecting her thoughts, feelings, behavior or overall health. Listen actively when she speaks and watch for signs of excessive stress. Model appropriate stress management skills for your teen. If you don't know how to manage your own stress in a healthy way, take steps to learn how to do so. Lastly, be a source of support for your teen's activities, sports and academics.

Decreasing Stress

• Teen boys and girls can take steps to keep their stress levels tolerable. Some suggestions from the AACAP include ensuring that teens eat healthy, regular meals and avoid too much caffeine, and abstain from illegal drugs, smoking and drinking. Encourage your teen to get adequate exercise through sports or walking with family or friends. Encourage positive self-talk and role-play ways to deal with particular circumstances that cause your teen stress. Teach your teen relaxation techniques such as deep breathing that he can do in any stressful circumstance.