Adolescents Externalizing Problem of Substance Use and the Reasons Behind

Abstract

This paper mainly discusses the externalizing problem of adolescence, specifically the problem of substance use. Based on the research done to study adolescent psychology, the problems that occur during adolescence are mainly distinguished into two categories: the externalizing problem and the internalizing problem. Externalizing problems refers to problems that influence the external world. While internalizing problems refers to the problems that influence the internal world of the adolescent. Substance use is one of the most common externalizing problems occurring during adolescence. It is defined as the use of materials that can alter your mood and cognition, which are often addictive. For instance, substance use includes using drug, alcohol and smoke. The data and studies in this paper are all adopted from other researchers or organizations, focusing on adolescents ageing between 10 to 18. This paper indicates that there is a high rate of substance use all across the world and substance use is mainly carried out in four types, including experimental substance use, social substance use, medicinal substance use, and addictive substance use. And the causes of substance use can be distinguished into two types, including socialization causes and individual causes. For socialization costs, this paper includes explanations of how family relationships, family structure, parental teaching, friend influence, and others influence the substance use rate of teenagers and adolescents. And for individual causes, this essay analyzes how low impulse control, gender, personality and optimism influence the rate of substance use among adolescents.