 Family
factors are known to relate to depression and suicide
in adolescents, and there is reasonable
agreement about family risk factors (severe parent-child
conflict) and protective factors (parent-child closeness).
Overall, the quality of
parent-adolescent relationships and the presence of
family conflict are reliable predictors of adolescent
depression.
Conflict, and particularly escalating conflict with parents,
and expression of parental over-control are well-established
risk factors for adolescent depression. Alternatively,
strong parental attachments and expressions of warmth
and caring have been found to buffer adolescents from
depression and anxiety.
The Resourceful Adolescent
Program for Parents (RAP-P) has been designed as a positive,
resilience building program to promote parent self-esteem
and emotional well being.
The four general program aims are to:
- Boost your own self esteem and your
teenager's self esteem
- Reduce your own stress,
and to reduce and manage conflict with your teenager
- Make sure that your buttons don't get pushed so you don't
overreact
- Maintain good relationships with
your teenager while you help your teenager to become
independent
Training
If you are interested in having your child
participate in this program or you are interested in participating
in the Parent Program, pass the following information on
to the principal or guidance officer at your child's school.
You can also get an information
kit about the RAP Programs by phoning the RAP Office
on 07 3875 3391 or 07 3875 3364. This kit contains sample
sessions and information about the effectiveness of the
Programs. Alternatively, you could present it to your
school P&C, who may decide
to ask the school to implement it.
|
