Adolescence By: Myles

Reagan Hollie Austin

Role of the family

● Principle task of teenage development is becoming independent of their families

● Difficulties:○ Parents are reluctant to let teens go○ Teens long to get out on their own

● Teens want freedom but fear failure, and as a result often “rebel” against adults

Role of peers

-Teens use each other to define themselves

-High school is a tool that’s used for socialization

Personality

-Studies have shown that personality is based on good looks and athletic ability

-According to J.R. Harris “peer groups, not parents, teach children how to behave in the world”

-Parents just supply the environment in which teens socialize in.

Cliques

-A clique is a group within a group-Fulfills need for closeness/establishes identity

-Helps achieve self-confidence-Creates independence from family

Drawbacks of a clique

-Fears of being disliked-Conformity is the “glue” that holds a peer group together

-Alters good judgement

Parents influence on teens

-Shapes attitude-influences school-religion-marriage-And educational plans-Adolescents accept parents’ beliefs

Difficulties During Adolescence

Adolescence is a time of transition from childhood to adulthood.

Difficulties During Adolescence cont.

There are many changes the adolescent must cope with involving his or her mind, body, emotions, and social relationships.

Difficulties During Adolescence cont.

While they do experience difficulties, majority adjust fairly quickly.

The Illusion of Invulnerability

“Others may get caught, but not me!”

-This is part of adolescent EGOCENTRISM

-The illusion may lead adolescents into doing things with their peers they would not do alone.

Acts of Juvenile Delinquency

-Running away from home, teen pregnancies, alcohol and drug abuse, and underachievement at school.

What events trigger depression in adolescents?

One major event is the loss of a loved one through separation, family relocation, or divorce.

grief, guilt, or panic

depression may result

Eating Disorders

● Anorexia Nervosa-refusal to eat and excessive loss of weight○ Anorexics have an intense fear of gaining

weight ○ Psychologically teens either refuse to grow up

or attempt to control their lives

Eating Disorders cont.

● Bulimia Nervosa-binge eating followed by purging○ Bulimics suffer from depression, anxiety, and

mood swings○ Psychologically teens seek approval from

peers