Análise da freqüência e do impacto de eventos estressores em uma amostra de adolescentes

This study investigated the frequency and impact of stressful life events in 330 male and female public school adolescents, ranging from 12 to 17 years old, in Porto Alegre and Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil. A modified version of the Adolescence Stressful Life Events Inventory was collectively administered. Among the most frequent events were: school tests, quarreling with friends, death of relatives, obeying parent’s rules, and fighting with siblings. Events of greater impact included: being exposed to sexual violence, being prohibited from seeing parents, and being taken to a juvenile detention center or juvenile shelter. Sex and age differences as reflected in frequency and impact were explored. In contrast to boys, girls reported higher levels of impact and a higher frequency of stressful life events related to interpersonal relationships. Keywords: stressful life events; adolescence; impact.