Social Withdrawal in Adolescence and Early Adulthood (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Course By: Ken Springer, PhD

Content By:  Barzeva, S., Meeus, W. H. J., & Oldehinkel, A. J . (2019). Social withdrawal in adolescence and early adulthood: Measurement issues, normative development, and distinct trajectories. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, (47), 865-879.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-018-0497-4

Course Description: Social withdrawal during adolescence and early adulthood is developmentally problematic, but few studies have examined trajectories and correlates of withdrawal during this time period. The present study examined 9 years of longitudinal survey data in order to identify normative as well as distinct trajectories of social withdrawal over time. The researchers found that withdrawal decreased from ages 16 to 19, remained stable from ages 19 to 22, and then increased from ages 22 to 25. The researchers also identified three distinct trajectories: Most individuals were consistently low in withdrawal from ages 16 to 25, some individuals were relatively high in withdrawal at the beginning and ending of this time period, and some individuals were persistently high in withdrawal at all times. These and other findings illustrate the heterogeneity of social withdrawal and have practical implications for supporting the social development of adolescents and young adults.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the rationale for the study and the longitudinal methods used to gather data
2. Describe the main findings of the study concerning normative patterns of social withdrawal from ages 16 through 25, as well as three distinct trajectories observed during this time period
3. Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the implications for promoting social development in adolescence and young adulthood

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Social withdrawal in adolescence and early adulthood: Measurement issues, normative development, and distinct trajectories
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Analyze the rationale for the study as well as the longitudinal survey methods used to measure social withdrawal, shyness, and other key variables
• Describe normative patterns of social withdrawal from ages 16 through 25
• Distinguish three distinct trajectories of social withdrawal from ages 16 through 25
• Integrate the study's key findings, strengths, limitations, and clinical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the development of social withdrawal in adolescence and early adulthood

Approvals: