ABSTRACT
This chapter presents two lesser-known and generally overlooked influences on the increase in youth mental illness: social/emotional contagion and helicopter parenting. Social contagion refers to the process by which behaviors and negative moods are transmitted like a virus within social networks. Adolescents tend to be greatly affected by social contagion, making them more vulnerable to socially transmissible emotions and behaviors such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. Helicopter parenting is characterized by an overly protective childrearing style, which—while well-intentioned—has underappreciated negative effects on adolescent functioning. Age-appropriate opportunities for teens to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes are essential for them to build resilience and independence.
