Behavior & Emotional Problems
Behavioral and Emotional Adjustment Problems: The Outer Reflection of the Inner World
The process of growing up is not only physical development but also a journey of learning to manage complex emotions. However, sometimes children and adolescents cannot express their inner conflicts, anxieties, or feelings of frustration in healthy ways. This situation leads to Behavioral and Emotional Adjustment Problems, which may appear from the outside as “maladjustment” or “aggressiveness.” In fact, these problems are a kind of “cry for help” from the individual to their environment.
1. Behavioral Disorders (Externalizing Problems)
These are resistant attitudes shown by the child toward social rules, authority, or the rights of others.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Constant arguing, deliberately disobeying rules, and anger outbursts.
Conduct Disorder: A more advanced level; repetitive behaviors such as harming others or property, lying, or skipping school.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking about the consequences and being unable to delay desires.
2. Emotional Adjustment Problems (Internalizing Problems)
Problems in this group may not always be noticed from the outside because the child experiences the conflict internally.
Extreme Shyness and Social Anxiety: Avoiding communication with peers and experiencing intense fear in social settings.
School Refusal: Not wanting to go to school due to anxiety and experiencing physical complaints in the mornings (stomachache, nausea).
Separation Anxiety: Excessive distress caused by fear of being separated from the caregiver (mother/father).
Low Self-Esteem: A constant feeling of inadequacy and a tendency to avoid new tasks.
When Should You Consult a Specialist?
Not every maladaptive behavior is a “disorder.” However, professional support is essential if one of the following three criteria exists:
Frequency: The behavior occurs very often (e.g., severe anger outbursts several times a week).
Duration: The situation has continued for at least 6 months.
Severity: The behavior seriously disrupts the child’s academic performance, friendships, or family harmony.
Osman Abalı Assoc. Prof. MD
Child-Adolescent-Adult Psychiatrist
