April 7: Stephen Hinshaw, Department of Psychology and the Institute of Human Development

Risk and Resilience in the Transition to Adolescence for Girls

Girls are largely protected from behavioral and emotional disturbance during the first decade of life, due to their strengths related to empathy, verbal skills, and compliance. Yet these same protective factors may turn into risk factors during the second decade of life, once puberty occurs, for girls with vulnerabilities (e.g., maltreatment, family history of mental illness). What are the particular vulnerabilities associated with early adolescence for girls? Which psychosocial/cultural forces propel ever-earlier and more severe risk for depression, suicide, self-harm, eating disturbances, and even aggression for teenage girls? How can a developmental perspective aid in this inquiry?