Psychologists discuss adolescent depression and parenting impacts

Psychologists are highlighting the importance of recognizing mental health challenges in adolescents and the long-term impact of historical parenting styles. Experts note that teenage depression often manifests differently than in adults, frequently appearing as persistent irritability, social withdrawal, or behavioral changes rather than just sadness.

Biological factors, such as the rapid development of emotional centers in the brain outpacing the prefrontal cortex, combined with hormonal shifts and social pressures, contribute to emotional volatility during adolescence.

Furthermore, child psychologists are examining how past parenting norms, particularly the authoritarian approach prevalent in the 1970s, affected child development. The philosophy of ‘children should be seen but not heard’—which prioritized obedience over emotional expression—is linked to adult struggles with self-confidence, boundary setting, and conflict avoidance. Experts suggest that while these methods were common for their time, modern psychological understanding emphasizes the necessity of validating a child's emotions and fostering open communication.