Scientifically, there is a THP hormone in the body. When we become anxious, this hormone will be produced and relieves anxiety. However, on the other hand, when teens feel anxious, the production of these hormones will increaseJakarta (ANTARA) - The level of anxiety experienced by teenagers can be manifolds higher than that felt by adults, according to child and adolescent psychologist at the Institute of Applied Psychology, the University of Indonesia, Vera Itabiliana Hadiwidjojo.
"Scientifically, there is a THP hormone in the body. When we become anxious, this hormone will be produced and relieves anxiety. However, on the other hand, when teens feel anxious, the production of these hormones will increase," Hadiwidjojo stated at a virtual press conference on Tuesday.
Hence, Hadiwidjojo believes it is natural for teenagers to feel intense anxiety even when they choose the wrong clothes or wear the wrong thing. If adults consider such examples as excessive, then in teenagers this is common.
"Do not be surprised when you see teenagers are very anxious because they choose the wrong clothes. We can think it is an exaggeration, but for teenagers themselves such actions are natural," according to Vera.
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Meanwhile, researchers in a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience some time back also noted that the THP hormone can calm children and adults. However, in teenagers, the hormone actually makes them more anxious.
The THP hormone, which also affects mood, can also make teens feel more anxious when the hormone blocks the GABA receptors
On the other hand, the first experience can also make a teenager feel anxious and stressed, including when they are facing the Computer-Based Writing Examination (UTBK) or the Joint Selection for State University Entrance (SBMPTN), which for some teenagers is considered very important to continue their education to the higher level.
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"Doing the task alone is enough to make them quite stressed, especially when they are facing exams. They will be stressed when their abilities are evaluated and assessed. This is especially when they have to face the UTBK exam, which is the determining point for their life ahead," Vera remarked.
The child and adolescent psychologist stated that teenagers have more dominant emotions, so they need a long time to pacify those emotions. This is influenced by the prefrontal cortex, which is still developing in teenagers and one of the last brain regions to mature.
Meanwhile, Vera also noted that teenagers who tend to be more anxious and stressed are those whose mindsets are less trained or those who are accustomed to leading a comfortable life, so they become less resilient and are not trained to have alternative plans.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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