Adolescent crisis and intervention

This study aims to explore adolescent crisis in terms of the types, causes and effects. It also explores effective crisis interventions in addressing crisis issues. A total of 12 Guidance and Counseling teachers and 49 adolescents were selected by purposive sampling method from schools in the northern zone of Peninsular Malaysia. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed by thematic analysis in answering the study objectives. The results found that adolescents experienced situational crisis and developmental crisis. Causes of crisis are due to the unstable internet access, responsibilities as a child and a student at the same time, tendency to hide the feelings, self-doubts and living with poverty. Effects of the crisis are manifested cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally and physiology. Effective crisis intervention is through rapport building and good teacher-student relationships. Besides, adolescents are more likely to have their own alternatives such as sharing with friends, applying spiritual deeds and listening to music as an initiative to eliminate negative thoughts and feelings. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the knowledge that can be shared to individuals experiencing crisis and those handling crisis.