Panel Discussion 18 - Addressing Developmental Disruptions: How Clinicians Can Support Youth and Young Adults in Forging New Pathways for Resilience and Coping

There are myriad influences that shape mental health outcomes. In recent years, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, legislation targeting LGBTQ rights, and increased rates of mental health disorders among youth and young adults has garnered widespread, mass media attention. These stressors have had devastating effects, with increased rates of depressive symptoms in minoritized youth and an exponential rise in suicidality among those with internalizing problems. This panel consists of renowned psychologists with both shared and unique expertise, whose clinical and research activities have spanned child, adolescent, and young adult populations, and who can speak to intersection of development and psychopathology. Integrating developmental, ecological, and cognitive-behavioral theories of human development and psychological well-being, panelists will speak to stressors that can disrupt development and how clinicians can better assess and treat internalizing problems in the context of these disruptions. Specifically, Dr. Comer will review his recent research on youth functioning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of internalizing disorders on early childhood development. Dr. Puliafico will examine the influence of anxiety and depression on development in school-aged youth and describe applications of school avoidance interventions to support school functioning. Dr. Viswanadhan will explore the developmental impact of stressors affecting gender expansive youth from a behavioral and intersectional framework in the context of medical intervention and psychotherapy. Dr. Albano will share her expertise on assessing and treating internalizing disorders and review clinical strategies to address developmental challenges unique to emerging adults. Dr. DeLapp will discuss the developmental impact of race-related stress and highlight how to support growth and healing within the context of racial and cultural stressors across the lifespan. Taken together, the panel will suggest clinical strategies to help youth and young adults forge new pathways for resilience and cultivate meaning and joy in their lives. This panel will also highlight implications for guiding future research and clinical practice.