nuds
Navigating Uncertainty: Decipher the Wisdom in Neurotic Adolescent Social Development
Prof. Dr. Jenny Wagner, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Dept of Educational Psychology and Personality Development (UHH)
Dr. Bertus F. Jeronimus, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Dept of Developmental Psychology (UG)
In their transition to adulthood, adolescents have to tackle numerous challenges, including the shift of focus from relationships with parents towards peers. These changes are accompanied by many uncertainties and often increase the willingness to engage in risky behavior. The central goal of this project is to shed light on the potential benefits of neuroticism, defined as the propensity to feel anxious and easily stressed, for adolescent (social) development. Specifically, does neuroticism provide adolescents with a heightened sensitivity for potential threats and thereby help individuals to navigate complex social situations? To examine this possibility, we will both systematically review existing literature and conduct empirical research with longitudinal adolescent samples.