Adolescents who cope ineffectively with anxiety may express it through which behaviors?

Adolescents who cope ineffectively with anxiety often struggle to manage their emotions in a healthy manner. This can lead to expressing their anxiety through inappropriate behaviors, such as aggression, withdrawal, or other forms of emotional dysregulation. These expressions may manifest as acting out, engaging in risk-taking behaviors, or having difficulties in social interactions. Such behaviors indicate that the adolescent is unable to effectively process or communicate their feelings of anxiety, resulting in inappropriate expressions that can affect their relationships and overall well-being.

In contrast, calm discussions and seeking help represent constructive coping strategies, which do not align with ineffective coping. Similarly, studying and focusing on schoolwork or involvement in community service are proactive and positive ways of managing anxiety, rather than reflecting ineffective coping mechanisms.