This research summary was developed by Pathways to Education.

HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS RESEARCH SUMMARY:

Many teenagers engage in externalizing behaviours or “acting out”. Examples of these behaviours include aggression, substance use, and delinquency.

Supported by relevant literature and examples of successful programs, the authors of this study propose that there are three interrelated core skills that underpin externalizing behaviours in adolescents:

– Emotion Regulation: the processes by which adolescents influence which emotions they have, when they have them, and how they experience and express them.
– Coping: adolescents’ efforts to control their emotions, thoughts, physiology, and behaviours, in reaction to stressors and challenges.
– Decision making: the ability to make effective choices across varied situations and contexts, including stressful and challenging circumstances. This involves anticipating real-world scenarios, paying attention to relevant cues, and considering perspectives.

The information presented in this paper is useful for positive youth development researchers and youth programs aiming to reduce externalizing behaviours.