The Impact of Adult Role Failure on Adolescent Mental Health and Intervention Strategies

In recent years, rising concerns over adolescent mental health have underscored the vital role of supportive adults in their psychological development. Yet rapid shifts in family structure, excessive educational pressure, and broader socio-cultural transformation have repeatedly undermined these adult functions, turning adult-role failure into a major risk factor for adolescent distress. This study examines the mechanisms through which adult roles shape adolescent psychology and analyses how the absence or malfunction of these roles affects mental-health outcomes. Using the 2019 Chinese urban family drama A Little Reunion as a case study, we conduct a close textual analysis of the character QiaoYingzis psychological trajectory. Based on developmental theories such as Eriksons psychosocial stages, attachment theory, and Banduras self-efficacy, and supported by social-context analysis, familial, school-based, and societal causes of adult-role failure are identified. The results show that effective adult roles, such as authoritative parenting and teachers positive feedback, greatly enhance adolescents self-efficacy and emotion regulation. In contrast, parental over-control or neglect and misaligned teacher roles foster insecure attachment, identity confusion, and heightened risks of depression, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. The study further demonstrates that programs such as the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, MindMatters, group therapy, and advocacy can restore adult-support system and safeguard adolescent mental health.