Dialogue between adulthood and adolescence: breaking myths and enhancing emotional well-being

"Adolescents ignore adults and no longer need us," "teenagers don’t reason and there’s nothing we can do about it"—these are phrases that may sound familiar. From an adult’s perspective, adolescence might seem like a stage to "endure" and let pass as quickly as possible. But what if we change our perspective? We can begin to recognize that adolescents have much more to say than we think.

One of the most deeply rooted myths about adolescence is the supposed immaturity and vulnerability to face life’s challenges. It's true that adolescence is a vulnerable period, but this vulnerability has two main factors. On one hand, adolescents face emotional challenges that deeply affect their self-perception, such as choosing their academic and professional future, the growing importance of peer relationships, and the discovery of affective-sexual relationships. On the other hand, it’s a time of significant neuromaturational changes, including the onset of neuronal pruning and the mismatch between two key brain areas that regulate behaviour, emotions, and thoughts. While it is true that due to the mismatch between the limbic system (emotions) and the prefrontal cortex (impulse control), teenagers often make impulsive decisions without considering long-term consequences.

It’s also common to believe that teenagers challenge authority out of sheer rebellion. This view overlooks important nuances. In reality, they often question rules as an attempt to find their own path and define their own identity. In this process, adolescents need to understand why things are the way they are, surpassing the certainties that accompanied them in childhood. In fact, adults, often anchored in our beliefs and routines, could learn a lot from their ability to question the world with curiosity. Adolescents teach us that doubt is a powerful tool for personal growth.

These factors and others are part of the complexity of adolescence and have a clear impact on emotional well-being and mental health. However, not all adolescences are the same. Factors like having a safe family environment where the adolescent feels seen and emotionally validated are essential. This means offering a space with firm but respectful boundaries. Furthermore, fostering meaningful and positive relationships where the adolescent feels seen, respected, and valued strengthens their self-esteem and helps them develop their own resources. These elements, along with access to resources, academic and social opportunities, shape this stage of life.

Increasingly, new initiatives are being implemented to promote emotional well-being in adolescence through their natural environments, particularly in educational settings. Additionally, the importance of listening to them is emphasized, as they are the true experts in their own experiences. The Henka program is one such initiative. Henka is a program that fosters resilience in young people, taking into account individual, family, and community resilience. It was launched by the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in collaboration with the Z Zurich Foundation and began in the 2023-2024 school year in Catalonia, reaching over 90 educational centers in 1st and 2nd year of secondary school. The forecast for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year is that it will continue to expand across Catalonia and Spain.

Perhaps, in the end, the challenge of adolescence is twofold: on one hand, overcoming the challenges of this vital stage, and on the other, how adults learn to adapt to their constant changes. In this process, we can find deeper ways to connect and grow together.