Adolescent Quote by Elizabeth M. Ellis
““Underdeveloped adolescents all too often feel strong emotion and look for escape, since they can think of no way to cope with the situation. Many turn to alcohol or getting high, “so I won’t have to feel anything.” Many are explosive and verbally or physically abusive toward family members. The parents of such teenagers may report that their adolescent son constantly fights with his girlfriend and has pounded a hole in the wall with his fist or smashed the phone down so hard he broke it while arguing with her on the phone. Or they may report that when they confront their daughter about her poor schoolwork, she leaves home for several days. She usually turns up at a friend’s house, but when she comes home after””
About This Quote
Source Article: Adolescent Coping Mechanisms, Journal of Youth Studies, 2015
Teenagers lacking coping skills may turn to substance use or aggression to escape overwhelming emotions, often harming relationships and themselves.
In simple terms: Teens escape pain with drugs or anger when they can’t cope.
Key Takeaway
Teach healthy coping and emotional regulation.
Themes
adolescence
coping
substance use
family conflict
Mood
anxious
empathetic
concerned
Type
psychological
social
When to use this quote
- school counseling
- family therapy
- peer support groups
- substance abuse programs
Key Concepts
emotional regulation
psychology
addiction
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools identify at‑risk teens early?
- What role can community programs play in providing coping tools?
A Different Perspective
Not all teens have access to supportive resources or willing caregivers.
