Teenager Attention Seeking Symptoms: How You Can Help Your Teen
It is common for teens to seek attention and validation from their parents and peers. However, these behaviors may be a cause for concern when they are constant or are negatively impacting themselves or others. Teenager attention-seeking behavior may be rooted in underlying emotional distress or an underlying mental health disorder. It is important for parents to recognize these unhealthy patterns so that they can identify the core factors driving them and seek proper mental health treatment for their teen.
Beachside Teen offers comprehensive mental health treatment for teens in California. Call us now at 888-254-0916.
What is Considered Teenager Attention Seeking Behavior?
When teens are seeking attention, they may dramatize events, give over-the-top emotional reactions, participate in high-risk activities, make false claims, or say bold statements. These behaviors are meant to elicit recognition, validation, attention, or even worry from peers, family members, or authority figures such as teachers. Oftentimes, teenagers are seeking any sort of reaction—whether it be positive or negative.
Teenager attention-seeking behavior can be a normal part of an adolescent’s development process. They often look for attention as a way to establish a sense of identity, deal with insecurities or pressures, or garner approval. Though these behaviors may be natural and non-threatening, some actions may be linked to more substantial issues. Therefore, they may indicate the need for emotional and mental health support.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Attention-Seeking Behavior
Attention-seeking behavior in teens can manifest in a variety of ways. Some actions may be clear and deliberate while others may be discreet. Signs your teen may be exhibiting attention-seeking behavior include the following:
- Ongoing need to be the center of attention
- Seeking sympathy
- Engaging in risky activities
- Acting impulsively
- Boasting
- Having either an over-inflated self-image or poor self-esteem
- Looking for immediate gratification
- Constantly posting to social media outlets
- Posting pictures on social media that evoke sympathy (e.g. photos of them crying)
- Promiscuity
- Lying and exaggerating
- Showing jealousy often
- Looking for consistent reassurance and validation from others
- Catastrophizing future scenarios
Causes of Attention-Seeking Behavior in Teenagers
There are psychological influences that can lead to unhealthy attention-seeking behaviors. In many cases, teens who crave attention may feel lonely or have low self-worth. They are unable to soothe or console themselves, therefore looking to others to help build them up. There is no malicious intent in these situations, but the need for reassurance. Furthermore, attention-seeking behaviors may signify a neurological, mental health, or behavioral disorder. Conditions that are most often linked to teenage attention-seeking behavior are outlined below:
- Personality Disorders: Borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder can cause attention-seeking behaviors as those with these conditions struggle to regulate emotions and exhibit healthy social skills.
- Mood Disorders: Depression and bipolar disorders may cause teens to act out in order to garner reassurance, validation, and comfort.
- Anxiety: Similarly, those with anxiety may seek reassurance as they struggle with fears and feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control.
- Behavioral Disorders: Conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder or intermittent explosive disorder can be linked to attention-seeking actions as they involve strong emotional reactions and defiance.
- ADHD: Those with ADHD often struggle with self-regulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, leading teens and adolescents to act in ways that garner immediate attention or validation.
Is My Teen Looking for Attention or Help?
Determining if your teen’s actions are a cry for help or normal teenager attention-seeking behaviors can be challenging for parents and caregivers. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to their behavioral patterns. If they often act out in disruptive, dangerous, or hurtful ways, parents should investigate their actions further. This includes looking for changes in their social circle, a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, or a decline in academic progress. Furthermore, if your child is exhibiting apparent signs of anxiety, melancholy, or loneliness, they will most likely benefit from professional guidance and support.
How to Address Teenager Attention-Seeking Behavior
It is completely understandable to be concerned about your teen’s attention-seeking behaviors and to be unsure of the best ways to approach them. Here are strategies to help instill healthier ways of self-expression in your teen:
- Listen & Communicate Effectively: In many cases, your teenager may simply want to feel heard. Provide them with your full attention and allow them to talk to you without interruption.
- Encourage Mindfulness: Talk to your teen about their emotions, ensuring them that having feelings is natural and something to embrace. Furthermore, work on breathing techniques that promote calmness and peace.
- Support Your Teen’s Self-Worth: Build your teen’s self-esteem through activities like journaling, setting goals, and participating in hobbies that encourage confidence while positively addressing attention-seeking behaviors.
- Refrain from Positively Reinforcing Attention-Seeking Actions: Instead of reinforcing attention-seeking behavior by simply stopping it, focus on creating a caring and compassionate relationship with your teen that helps you better comprehend their underlying motivations.
- Set Social Media Limits: Instill boundaries on your teen’s social media use. You can also limit screen time and establish days when they do not use devices.
- Seek Professional Help: Adolescent treatment programs can address the underlying factors contributing to your teen’s attention-seeking behavior in a sustainable way. Furthermore, family counseling can promote constructive communication and a healthy home enviornment.
Find Adolescent Mental Health Treatment in Malibu, CA
At Beachside Teen, we recognize that teenager attention-seeking behavior can be worrying for parents and caregivers as it can signify a more pressing issue. We take these unhealthy patterns seriously so that teens can establish a solid foundation for a happy and fulfilling future. We offer treatment programs for a wide range of conditions as well as a therapeutic education program. Designed to meet the needs of those between the ages of 12 and 18, our center provides a nurturing and safe space for adolescents. To learn more about how we can help, give us a call or visit our admissions page today.
Ready to Learn More About Supporting Your Teen?
At Beachside Teen, we understand the unique challenges of adolescent development and mental health. Our team of specialists offers comprehensive assessments and personalized support for teens and their families.
Call us now at 888-254-0916.
