Exploring the Impact of Stress on Development: A Review of Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms in Adolescents

Stress, in its most basic form, is the body's response to any demand, but when prolonged, it can lead to significant psychological and physiological consequences.
- American Psychological Association, (2017)

The present review focuses on the intersection of major stressors and their impact on adolescent development. By examining the literature on coping mechanisms, this review seeks to identify factors that mediate or moderate the relationship between these stressors and adolescent outcomes. This review aims to fill this gap by examining the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of stress on adolescent development, the range of coping strategies employed by adolescents, and the factors influencing the choice of adaptive or maladaptive coping mechanisms. Understanding how adolescents respond to these challenges is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention programs aimed at promoting resilience and positive adjustment.