Adaptation and Coping in Childhood and Adolescence for those at Risk for Depression in Emerging Adulthood

• Published in: Child & adolescent social work journal Vol. 22; no. 5-6; pp. 395 - 416
• Main Authors: Carbonell, Dina M, Reinherz, Helen Z, Beardslee, William R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer Nature B.V 01-12-2005
• Subjects: Adaptation; Adjustment; Adolescents; Adults; Child development; Childhood; Coping; Coping strategies; Defense mechanisms; Depression (Psychology); Development; Flexibility; Life Stage Transitions; Longitudinal Studies; Mental depression; Qualitative research; Risk; Risk factors; Risks; Social work; Strategies; Teenagers; Young Adults
• ISSN: 0738-0151; 1573-2797
• DOI: 10.1007/s10560-005-0019-4

Emerging adulthood is a time of great possibility and of considerable risk. This qualitative study explored the adaptation and coping strategies used over time by twenty-five emerging adults. Respondents were selected from a longitudinal community study cohort of 26-year-olds and had experienced adversity in early life. Participants mentioned using a variety of strategies, such as active evasion, seeking support, and "letting go," in order to cope with difficulties. These strategies varied by context and according to respondents' developmental level at the time of the adversity. Flexibility in understanding life circumstances and in choosing coping strategies to deal with specific adversities was noted as beneficial through childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]