Social Challenges

Evidence 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4751757/ 

Anita Montagna and Chiara Nosarti 

 Very preterm birth (VPT; < 32 weeks of gestation) has been associated with an increased risk to develop cognitive and socio-emotional problems, as well as with increased vulnerability to psychiatric disorder, both with childhood and adult onset. Socio-emotional impairments that have been described in VPT individuals include diminished social competence and self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, shyness and timidity. However, the etiology of socio-emotional problems in VPT samples and their underlying mechanisms are far from understood.  

To date, research has focused on the investigation of both biological and environmental risk factors associated with socio-emotional problems, including structural and functional alterations in brain areas involved in processing emotions and social stimuli, perinatal stress and pain and parenting strategies. Considering the complex interplay of the aforementioned variables, the review attempts to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association between very preterm birth, socio-emotional vulnerability and psychopathology.  

After a comprehensive overview of the socio-emotional impairments associated with VPT birth, three main models of socio-emotional development are presented and discussed. These focus on biological vulnerability, early life adversities and parenting, respectively. To conclude, a developmental framework is used to consider different pathways linking VPT birth to psychopathology, taking into account the interaction between medical, biological, and psychosocial factors. 

Education 

Premature babies have an increased risk to develop socio-emotional problems. The ability to make new friends comes naturally to many teenagers, however some find it difficult and frustrating to connect with peers. They prefer the safety of familiar peers narrowing their choices due to fear of feeling awkward and uncomfortable. Teenagers who have social anxiety can have negative thoughts about going to an event, the more these negative thoughts run through their minds the more it increases their anxiety and eventually they will avoid the event altogether. 

Teenagers may fear speaking in front of a group and eating in front of people which might prevent them from going to school, applying for a job or leaving the house. They are particularly vulnerable to loneliness, social isolation and bullying. 

They might experience failure, inadequacy and depression from social anxiety so getting a proper diagnosis for them is essential. 

Empowerment

Teenagers that are overwhelmed about going to an event should break it down into the smallest steps e.g., instead of attending a large party meet a friend for lunch. Also, it benefits teenagers in being involved in an activity that they enjoy as they might find it easier in talking with others about something they enjoy. 

Encouraging your teenager to practice breathing and relaxation techniques which can help with social anxiety. In some cases, more intensive treatment may be needed to bring them to a family doctor will determine how much help they need. 

Questions for Health Care Team 

• Why does my teenager have trouble connecting with other kids? 

• What activities can I or the teacher do with my teenager to help increase their social skills? 
• Should the school be informed, and support put in place at school? 
• How can I help my teenager? 
• Are there any local support groups for teenagers? 

It is difficult seeing your teenager not being able to connect with peers and being able to make friends.  Talking to a counsellor or psychologist will help ease the anxiety and will give the parents coping strategies and activities to help your teenager and you. 

               “Do one thing every day that scares you”  – Eleanor Roosevelt  

Useful Links 

https://growingupinaustralia.gov.au/ 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/behaviour/peers-friends-trends/teen-friendships

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