Stress and life events during childhood and adolescence

Research concerned with life events and stress during childhood and adolescence is reviewed. Models of stress and life events and measures of stressful events during childhood and adolescence are described. Although problems in each of these areas are noted, recent progress in measurement is encouraging. Cross-sectional studies have found a consistent, although modest, correlation of stressful events with psychological, behavioral, and somatic problems. However, recent prospective studies provide greater support for the role of chronic strains and daily Stressors than major life events in the development of psychological and behavioral difficulties during adolescence. Directions for future research are outlined.