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Damour cites teen survey: most want adults to listen, not advise

Big Think · How to break the spell of powerful emotions | Lisa Damour: Full Interview · August 14, 2026
Damour cites teen survey: most want adults to listen, not advise
Big Think
Big Think
How to break the spell of powerful emotions | Lisa Damour: Full Interview
"62% of them said, "I just want you to listen." After that, 56% said, "I just want some space." And only 28% said they wanted advice."
Damour says her survey work with teenagers finds they are more likely to want attentive listening and space when upset than direct advice from adults. She frames the “space” response as a sign many adolescents want to practise regulating emotions independently, rather than an indication something is wrong in the parent-child relationship.
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Big Think
Big Think

How to break the spell of powerful emotions | Lisa Damour: Full Interview

August 19, 2026 · 1h 6m · 4 Egleze moments
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