FAMILY DYNAMICS AND ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENCE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationships between various characteristics of family dynamics and the manifestation of anxiety symptoms in adolescents, identifying family factors described in the scientific literature as associated with emotional vulnerability and protection. The transition through adolescence is characterized by intense physical, emotional, and social transformations, rendering young people susceptible to emotional disorders, particularly anxiety. Through a narrative literature review grounded in psychology and mental health publications, the study sought to move beyond strictly causal or deterministic perspectives, instead viewing the family as a complex, multifactorial system. The results indicate that dimensions such as ineffective communication, frequent conflict, excessive psychological control, and low cohesion act as significant risk factors for the worsening of anxiety symptoms. Conversely, environments characterized by emotional support, open dialogue, and strong affective bonds serve as important protective factors for young people's mental health. The study concludes that a deep understanding of family dynamics is essential for developing preventive, psychoeducational, and clinical intervention strategies aimed at adolescents and their families.