Some teens find it difficult to establish themselves and gain independence as they grow older. Failure to launch (FTL) is a common issue among young people. Alpha Behavioral Health provides support, encouragement, guidance, and tools to teens and young adults struggling with failure to launch syndrome and co-occurring addiction or mental health disorders. We address the underlying causes of FTL and offer a path forward through evidence-based treatment and the development of life skills.
Failure to Launch Meaning
Some people struggle to make the transition from childhood to adulthood. Failure to launch syndrome is a nonclinical term for older teens or young adults who have been unable to establish independence within a socially acceptable timeframe. People who have reached an age where they should be in control of their own health, finances, career, and relationships, without being able to make that leap, have “failed to launch.”
Young adult children living in their parents’ home or with other family members without contributing to the household may have FTL. Teens and young adults who would rather play video games to spend time with friends all day instead of working to gain financial independence represent a stereotypical example of failure to launch syndrome.
Unmanaged mental health issues, fear of failure, low self-esteem, lack of work ethic, and other factors may cause teens and individuals in emerging adulthood to become stuck in their development. Professional treatment programs give young people the support and motivation they need to begin making healthy changes. Experts at Alpha Behavioral Health use adolescent psychiatry, healthy coping skills development, and family therapy to guide clients and their families through the process of overcoming FTL.
What Is Peter Pan Syndrome?
If young adults do not address FTL, they may develop Peter Pan syndrome, an unofficial term popularly used to describe adults who find it challenging to do the following:
- Manage adult tasks, including educational responsibilities, work, finances, and household chores
- Commit to new relationships, make long-term plans, and engage with other adults
- Focus on adult responsibilities instead of fun and diversions
- Find meaning or purpose
- Choose a direction for their lives
- Transition from adolescence into adulthood
Adults with these issues may find it hard to develop long-term relationships, establish a career, complete their education, or maintain financial stability. Often, parents find themselves caring for these adult children and providing financial support. Peter Pan syndrome may lead to a reduction in quality of life, a lack of motivation, and unhealthy behaviors, including substance abuse. Early intervention can help high school students or young adults gain independence and avoid falling into the maladaptive patterns of behavior that lead to Peter Pan syndrome.
How Hormones Impact Behavior and Mental Health
Hormones affect emotional regulation and contribute to some unhealthy behaviors. Medical conditions that influence hormone levels may play a role in FTL. However, hormones alone do not generally cause failure to launch or Peter Pan syndrome. According to the Office of Population Affairs (OPA), “Physical changes increase adolescents’ capacity for emotional awareness, self-management, and empathy, but emotional development is strongly influenced by context.” Alpha Behavioral Health educates clients and their families on the role of hormones and how to address underlying medical issues affecting sobriety or mental health. Rehabilitation programs address hormonal imbalances and other health issues affecting energy levels, motivation, and stress management.
Recognizing Normal Mood Swings vs. Warning Signs of Failure to Launch Syndrome
Young people naturally experience mood swings as they develop. Understanding the difference between typical mood swings and failure to launch can help parents know when to seek professional support for their children.
Some of the potential warning signs of mental health issues or failure to launch include:
- Lack of motivation or ambition
- Extended dependence on parental figures or other caretakers
- Avoiding personal responsibilities (e.g., applying for jobs, maintaining a clean living space, paying bills, etc.)
- Minimal or no interest in gaining independence
- Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- Frequently engaging in escapist behaviors (e.g., substance abuse, excessive media use, etc.)
- Resistance to feedback
- Entitled behavior and unrealistic expectations for adult life
Some young people may have an undiagnosed mental illness or some other condition impacting their ability to function. Alpha Behavioral Health uses comprehensive screening tools to determine if teens and young adults have an unmanaged mental health condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or some other condition affecting their development. A clinical assessment is necessary to determine if someone has a mental health disorder.
Common Emotional Challenges Faced By Young People
Teens and young adults face many emotionally challenging situations. Some of them may struggle to respond in a healthy way without proper emotional support or practical coping skills. Failure to launch can result from fear, uncertainty, lack of social skills, and an inability to manage stress.
A few common emotional challenges young people encounter include:
- Relationship problems
- Fear of not meeting expectations
- Uncertainty about the future
- Feeling overwhelmed from major life events
- Struggling with identity and self-image
- Unresolved trauma
- Grief over a significant loss
- Feeling isolated from peers
Addressing these underlying issues can help young people combat negative thoughts or beliefs, contributing to their FTL.
The Power of Peer Influence on Teens and Young Adults
Some people experiencing FTL may struggle with peer expectations and a desire to “just have fun” instead of becoming a responsible adult and developing the skills for independent living. Emerging adults may choose to stay in their parent’s home, allowing them greater freedom to have fun and avoid responsibilities. Teens and college-age individuals are more likely to be negatively impacted by peer pressure. Young men are especially susceptible and may find it harder to resist peer pressure.
According to Developmental Psychology, a “recent experimental study found that exposure to peers during a risk-taking task doubled the amount of risky behavior among middle adolescents, increased it by 50% among college undergraduates.” In addition, “Females are more resistant to peer influence than males in general.” Treatment programs provide young people with the tools to cope with peer pressure and avoid risk-taking behaviors.
Did the Pandemic Contribute to FTL In Young Adults?
Research seems to suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a ripple effect in the lives of young people. An increase in mental health disorders, lack of social skills, and other issues experienced due to the pandemic may contribute to FTL and other developmental problems. The pandemic caused many young people to miss out on critical social events that support personal growth and independence.
Social media also influences attachment styles and social skills. During the pandemic, teens relied heavily on social media to connect with friends, family, and communities. Some young people with FTL developed routines involving self-isolating behaviors and excessive social media use during the pandemic. Instead of gaining independence and creating a life of their own, these young people live vicariously by watching or engaging with online influencers.
Sleep, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Impact Mood and Mental Health
Families support loved ones experiencing FTL by encouraging them to practice self-care and build healthy routines. Physical wellness directly impacts mental health and a young person’s ability to manage stress. Sleep, nutrition, and physical activity all impact mood and emotional regulation. Failure to launch syndrome can cause people to develop unhealthy lifestyle habits. According to the British Journal of General Practice, the pattern of FTL generally involves a “gradual withdrawal from social life starting in mid-teens, often with school refusal alongside an altered sleep pattern, gaming or social media addiction, and a restricted and unhealthy diet with a total lack of exercise.” Disrupting this pattern of maladaptive behaviors can reduce the risk of long-term mental and physical health problems. Professional mental health treatment provides individuals with failure to launch syndrome a blueprint for navigating the transition from adolescence to adult independence.
How to Identify the Development of Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
Some signs of mental health problems in young people include frequent depressive episodes, excessive anxiety, and chronic stress. Teens have a higher risk of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms, leading to failure to launch, if they do not address the underlying causes of these mental health issues.
Family members can get young people the help they need by learning to identify signs of depression, anxiety, and stress, including:
- No longer engaging in previously enjoyed activities
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Changes in appetite (e.g., skipping meals or overindulging)
- Uncharacteristic irritability or anger
- Frequent mood swings
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Physical aches and pains, including headaches, with no known cause
- Abusing substances
- Panic or anxiety attacks
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Expressing thoughts of purposelessness or lack of meaning
- Avoiding school or social situations
- Suicidal ideation
Mental health disorders require a clinical assessment and diagnosis. Alpha Behavioral Health uses comprehensive screening tools to determine if clients have co-occurring mental health issues affecting their sobriety or ability to function.
Setting Clear Boundaries and Expectations for Your Loved One
Families may benefit from setting clear boundaries and expectations for teens and young adults entering treatment for FTL and co-occurring disorders.
Parental figures showing encouragement while setting clear expectations can motivate young people to do the following:
- Complete treatment programs
- Adhere to program rules and guidelines
- Create healthier habits and routines
- Avoid falling back into old behaviors
The clinical team works with families to help them navigate the treatment process. Tailored care plans, family therapy, and other services ensure clients and their loved ones receive the support they need to heal and grow.
Recognizing Risk-Taking Behaviors as a Call for Help
Young people who feel stuck in place and do not know how to move forward or grow beyond their current stage of development may do the following:
- Lash out at others
- Avoid taking responsibility
- Focus on doing whatever feels good in the moment
- Prioritize immediate gratification over personal growth
Sometimes, risk-taking behaviors or self-isolation may indicate a silent “call for help” from teens and emerging adults who may be overwhelmed with the idea of stepping out into the world on their own. Treatment programs address these behaviors and give young people the tools to overcome challenges and succeed at transitioning into adulthood.
How to Talk to Young People About Their Mental Health
Family and friends support loved ones experiencing failure to launch syndrome by listening with empathy and compassion. Many parents find it hard to talk with young people about their mental health and other issues contributing to their inability to function independently.
Communicating to teens the importance of gaining independence and being responsible adults does the following:
- Promotes personal growth
- Encourages self-reflection and greater self-awareness
- Reduces reliance on family
Treatment programs teach clients and their families how to set boundaries that improve family dynamics and reduce risk-taking or self-isolating behaviors. A mental health professional can guide families through the process of creating more effective lines of communication.
Dangers of Helicopter Parenting
Some parenting styles may inhibit the development or emotional growth of adolescents and young adults. Parental figures may become excessively involved with their children’s lives during emerging adulthood. Helicopter parenting often comes from a place of love. However, by attempting to control most aspects of their child’s lives, these parents may directly contribute to the causes of failure, limiting their child’s growth. Excessive parental intervention may negatively affect a young person’s well-being and lead to mental health challenges. Family therapy can help parents learn to take a step back and give their children the space to explore independence.
When to Seek Professional Treatment for Failure to Launch Syndrome
Young people who fail to transition into adulthood may need professional support to identify and address whatever is blocking their ability to develop into functional adults. Often, family plays an essential role in ensuring these individuals get the help they need to move past whatever barrier has kept them stuck in place. Alpha Behavioral Health uses talk therapy, peer self-help groups, family therapy, and other evidence-based modalities to give young people the critical support they need to move forward in their development.
How to Talk to Your Child About Participating in Treatment
Many young people with failure to launch syndrome do not want to change. They feel comfortable relying on others to help them afford their lifestyle. Building the foundation for a healthy future involves taking on adult responsibilities, and many young people do not want to give up their easy lifestyle. Parental figures can prompt their children to get help by clearly stating the facts of how their behaviors have impacted their lives and refusing to enable their behavior any longer. The experts at Alpha Behavioral Health provide compassionate support and guidance to families intervening on behalf of a young person living with FTL.
Supporting Young Adults During Treatment
Young adults with failure to launch syndrome often rely heavily on their parents and other individuals in their lives to help them function. Treatment programs remove that crutch and force teens and young adults to face the realities of growing up and what it means to develop healthy independence from parents and other family members.
Family members and friends support young adults during treatment by doing the following:
- Offering consistent emotional and practical support
- Encouraging healthy routines and lifestyle changes
- Celebrating successes and milestones in recovery
- Avoiding enabling behaviors
- Not undermining treatment
- Being patient, flexible, and compassionate
- Creating a supportive and stable home environment
- Attending family therapy sessions
Family therapy plays a critical role in helping people overcome failure to launch. Some of the primary benefits of participating in family therapy include creating healthier dynamics and improving communication.
How Alpha Behavioral Health Treats Failure to Launch
Alpha Behavioral Health teaches young people how to become self-sufficient, overcome failure, and use creative problem-solving skills in the real world.
Some of the therapies we use to address FTL and co-occurring conditions include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Experiential therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Holistic therapies, including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness-based therapies
Failure to launch syndrome does not have to keep limiting young people from growing and achieving their goals. Professional treatment provides a blueprint teens and their families can use to successfully navigate the transition between adolescence and adulthood.
Failure to launch (FTL) syndrome is a nonclinical term for young people who do not take steps to gain their independence as they transition into adulthood. Substance abuse and mental health disorders may contribute to or be a side effect of FTL. Treatment programs for teens and young adults focus on providing structure, accountability, and the framework for personal growth. Alpha Behavioral Health treats teens aged 14 and older and young adults struggling with failure to launch. Our experts use evidence-based and holistic therapies, including family therapy, to encourage clients and their loved ones to heal and grow. Learn more about our programs and how we help young people gain independence by calling our office today at (833) 257-4218.
