Early Teen Stress Tied to School and Identity

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by MedicalXpress.

Teens starting high school and navigating their self-identity need more access to support and resources, says University of Canterbury researcher Dr. Valerie Sotardi.

A study of child health and well-being has revealed that starting high school and self-identity are the biggest causes of stress for young teens, and a University of Canterbury (UC) | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha researcher hopes the results will shape future support services.

The “Our Voices” study sought responses directly from approximately 1,000 13-year-old participants about their experiences navigating adolescence.

The study, “Navigating Rough Waters: Support Networks for Youth,” led by UC Senior Lecturer Dr. Sotardi identifies key stressors and how teens overcome tough times.

Dr. Sotardi, a leading educational psychology researcher in New Zealand, helped identify the most common emotional, social and academic challenges 13-year-olds face, and what help mechanisms they use to overcome those challenges.

“What we found was interactions at school and understanding who you are, and self-acceptance were the most commonly reported challenges,” she says.

The significance of the high school transition was reflected in the teens’ responses. Workload or getting good grades, making new friends, and trying to fit in were the most common sources of stress.

The teens were asked what helped them get through tough times, with nearly three-quarters emphasizing the importance of family support, friends, mentors, and even social media influencers as key coping mechanisms.

By showing adolescence as a critical developmental stage that is marked with commonly experienced challenges, educators, community organizations and policy-makers can make more informed decisions about future support services.

“There is now the potential to develop programs that promote positive relationships and reinforce how safe school environments contribute to stronger emotional well-being for young people.”

Source: MedicalXpress
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-early-teen-stress-school-identity.html