Giving advice to your teenage self can improve your well-being

Asking young people to give themselves advice during adolescence can have positive effects on their self-esteem, resilience and mental health, according to new University of Surrey research published in Cogent Psychology.

Researchers used a unique method of "thinking out loud with photographs" on 42 people aged 20 to 24, where they thought out loud while looking at a photo of themselves as teenagers.

Many participants advised their younger selves to be patient and accept change and uncertainty. Others advised letting go of bad relationships and setting clear boundaries in future interactions.

Professor Jane Ogden, co-author of the study from the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, said: “In a world that tends to classify young people as fragile, our research shows that they are, in fact, deeply complex individuals trying to navigate a rapidly changing world, often under constant surveillance on the Internet.

"Our research provides an important roadmap for the journey from adolescence to adulthood, offering practical guidance that can help young people strengthen their social connections, secure their personal identity and strengthen their emotional health.

“These insights are valuable not only for the young people themselves, but also for the educators, counselors and mental health professionals who support them, highlighting key areas where targeted support and guidance can make a significant impact.”

As participants reflected on their teenage years, they learned three key lessons:

1. Create a Safe Space: Participants reflected on the importance of choosing supportive friends and leaving toxic relationships to protect their well-being. They also emphasized the need to set clear boundaries and assert your rights, which are important for maintaining mental health and self-esteem.
2. Look around you for perspective: Participants encouraged their younger selves to broaden their horizons by understanding that everyone faces challenges and that they are not alone in their struggles. They also learned the importance of judging themselves for their actions and character rather than their appearance, and resisting the social labels that try to define them.
3. Look within and trust yourself: Participants emphasized the importance of listening to their intuition and taking care of their emotional needs, focusing on personal growth without comparing themselves to others. They have learned to see both successes and failures as opportunities to grow, to overcome challenges and to embrace each experience as part of their development.

Professor Ogden continued: "There is a real opportunity to expand our research into this type of intervention to include a wider range of voices from different backgrounds. This could be important for understanding the unique developmental pathways of young people. Advocating for policies that embed these insights into educational and community programmes will provide more tailored and effective support for each young person as they navigate the complexities of growth and change."