PARENTAL STRESS AMONG PARENTS OF ADOLESCENTS EXPERIENCING PSYCHOLOGICAL CRISIS IN QUANG PHU WARD, THANH HOA PROVINCE

Abstract

Puberty is a developmental stage characterized by profound physiological and psychological changes. Adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to internal conflicts, negative emotions, and psychological crises when appropriate guidance and support are lacking. These challenges can place considerable pressure on parents as they educate, supervise, and support their children. Against this background, the present study employed a combination of methods, including literature review, questionnaire survey, psychological assessment, observation, and interviews, to investigate stress among parents of adolescents experiencing psychological crises in Quang Phu Ward, Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.

The findings indicate that parental stress manifested across multiple domains. Stress related to parenting and child management was the most prominent, followed by stress associated with the parent–child relationship and emotional stress. Behavioral manifestations of stress were the least prominent.

The findings suggest that difficulties in parenting, managing, and communicating with adolescents are major sources of parental stress. Therefore, coordinated efforts among local authorities, schools, families, and social organizations are needed to provide parents with relevant knowledge, practical skills, counseling services, and supportive resources. Such support may help reduce parental stress and enhance parents’ ability to effectively accompany and support their children through the challenges of puberty.