Adolescence And Related Issuesmegha Rug2socy202contentstopics I Will ✓ Solved

ADOLESCENCE AND RELATED ISSUES Megha R. UG2 SOCY202 Contents/Topics I will be covering: Definitions + Excerpt The Stage of Adolescence + Who is an Adolescent? Characteristics of Adolescence Stages of Adolescence Social Changes What are recognized as issues under adolescent/adolescence? Theories Definitions of Adolescence “Plato (1953) described adolescent boys as constantly arguing and very easily excited. Aristotle (1941) described adolescents as “lacking in sexual self-restraint, fickle in their desires, passionate and impulsiveâ€.

“Childhood and adolescence were regarded as two sides of the same coin†(Dubasa et al, 2003). Rousseau described adolescence as “A change in humour, frequent anger, a mind in constant agitation, makes the child almost unmanageable. His feverishness turns him into a lion. He disregards his guide; he no longer wishes to be governed.†(Rousseau, 1911) “A controversial book arguing that teenagers are a social group into themselves, different from children and adults in their interests and values. Coleman claims that young people value athletic prowess rather than academic achievement, and that they have unrealistic expectations for their future careersâ€. (Coleman, James S.

1961. Adolescent society: The social life of the teenager and its impact on education. New York: Free Press.) “ADOLESCENCEâ€+“ADOLESCENT†Period marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. Phase and stage of life spanning across the ages 10-19. According to WHO(2017), an adolescent is any person lying between the ages of 10-19.

Characteristics of Adolescence 5 main characteristics that generally apply amongst all adolescents: Biological growth and development Undefined Status Increased Decision Making Increased Pressures Search for “SELF†Stages of Adolescence 5 main stages in broad, out of which 3 of them are widely discussed: Early Adolescence(10-13 yrs.) Middle Adolescence(14-17 yrs.) Late Adolescence(18-21…and BEYOND!!) Social Changes The mode of interaction and communication changes depending upon the audience. Searching for our “identity†Seeking more independence and responsibility. Thinking more about the differentiation between what is right and wrong. Consciousness regarding their “desirable, social†image.

Developing and exploring a sexual identity Seeking for new experiences Peer Pressure State of Confusion Issues The way adolescence is perceived differs from strata to strata. Mental Health Body shaming>Insecurities>Judgements Consciousness of “Image†Approval and Validation(being recognized and approved) Unwanted Teen Pregnancies Need for more awareness and education of “SEX†Substance Abuse Theories of Adolescence Organized into 6 groups: Biological Psychoanalytical Psychosocial Social-Cultural Cognitive Field References Adolescent development. (2017, May 09). Retrieved September 26, 2020, from

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Adolescence and Related Issues
Introduction
Adolescence marks a significant transitional phase that bridges childhood and adulthood, typically defined as the period from ages 10 to 19 (World Health Organization, 2017). During this time, individuals undergo diverse biological, psychological, and social changes that shape their identities and influence their behavior. This essay will explore definitions, characteristics, stages, social changes, issues faced by adolescents, and pertinent theories to provide a comprehensive understanding of adolescence.
Definitions of Adolescence
Various scholars have articulated their perspectives on adolescence. Plato (1953) characterized adolescent boys as excitable and argumentative, reflecting the turmoil of this developmental phase. Similarly, Aristotle (1941) highlighted adolescents' impulsive nature and issues related to sexual self-restraint. Rousseau (1911) noted the emotional turbulence and defiance experienced during adolescence, describing this stage as one of "constant agitation," where adolescents seek autonomy from authority figures. Coleman (1961) further distinguished adolescents as a unique social group with differing values compared to younger children and adults, often prioritizing athleticism over academic success. These diverse definitions highlight the complexity of adolescence as a multifaceted stage of development.
Characteristics of Adolescence
The characteristics of adolescence can be summarized into five main aspects:
1. Biological Growth and Development: Adolescents experience significant physical changes, including puberty, which can influence their self-esteem and body image (Steinberg, 2014).
2. Undefined Status: Adolescents often find themselves in a state of limbo between childhood and adulthood, leading to confusion regarding their roles and identities (Dornbusch & Nadler, 1991).
3. Increased Decision Making: Adolescents begin to make more independent choices, impacting their lives socially and academically (Steinberg, 2014).
4. Increased Pressures: There are mounting pressures from peers, family, and society, which can affect adolescents’ mental health and well-being (Moore et al., 2015).
5. Search for “Self”: This phase is characterized by exploration and experimentation, as individuals seek to define their identities and values (Erikson, 1968).
Stages of Adolescence
Adolescence is generally categorized into three broad stages:
1. Early Adolescence (10-13 years): This stage is marked by the onset of puberty and initiation into increased independence and self-awareness.
2. Middle Adolescence (14-17 years): Adolescents begin to establish stronger social connections and may question authority and societal norms (Steinberg, 2014).
3. Late Adolescence (18-21 years and beyond): Individuals become more settled in their identities and begin to take on adult roles, including those related to education, employment, and relationships (Arnett, 2000).
Social Changes
Adolescents undergo significant social changes, impacting their interactions and communication styles. They often seek more independence and responsibility while differentiating between right and wrong (Steinberg, 2021). This search for identity is often accompanied by a heightened awareness of societal expectations and the desire for peer approval (Brown & Larson, 2009). Additionally, exploration of sexual identity and new experiences becomes prevalent during this phase, frequently driven by peer pressure, leading some adolescents to experiment with risky behavior (Dishion & Tipsord, 2011).
Issues Faced During Adolescence
Adolescence can be a tumultuous period characterized by various challenges, including:
1. Mental Health: Issues such as anxiety and depression are prevalent during adolescence, with many individuals struggling to cope with emotional changes and pressures from various sources (Kessler et al., 2005).
2. Body Image Concerns: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to body shaming and insecurities regarding their appearance, exacerbated by societal standards and social media (Perloff, 2014).
3. Substance Abuse: Experimentation with drugs and alcohol is a notable risk, often fueled by peer pressure and the desire to fit in (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019).
4. Unwanted Teen Pregnancies: Limited sexual education can lead to a lack of awareness surrounding sexual health, resulting in unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (Kirby, 2007).
5. Search for Approval: Many adolescents face pressure to gain validation and recognition from their peers, leading to stress and anxiety (Reynolds et al., 2019).
Theories of Adolescence
To understand adolescent development, several theoretical frameworks can be utilized, including:
1. Biological Theories: These focus on the physiological changes occurring during puberty and their impact on behavior (Hall, 1904).
2. Psychoanalytical Theories: Freud's psychosexual stages highlight the developmental challenges faced during adolescence (Freud, 1923).
3. Psychosocial Theories: Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development emphasize the identity crisis adolescents face while transitioning into adulthood (Erikson, 1968).
4. Social-Cultural Theories: These examine how the social context influences adolescent development, considering factors such as culture and socioeconomic status (Vygotsky, 1978).
5. Cognitive Theories: These focus on the development of reasoning, decision-making, and critical thinking abilities during adolescence (Piaget, 1952).
6. Field Theories: Ecological models highlight how various environmental contexts, including family and peer groups, affect adolescent development (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).
Conclusion
Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by significant physiological, psychological, and social transformations. Understanding its complexities through various definitions, characteristics, and theoretical frameworks allows for better support and intervention for adolescents as they navigate this challenging period. Awareness of the issues faced by adolescents, including mental health, body image, substance abuse, and the quest for approval, underscores the importance of providing appropriate resources, education, and support systems to foster healthy development during these formative years.
References
1. Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469-480.
2. Black, B. L. (2015). Adolescence: A developmental transition in a changing world. Adolescence, 50(200), 23-30.
3. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Harvard University Press.
4. Brown, B. B., & Larson, J. (2009). Peer relationships in adolescence. In J. J. Arnett (Ed.), Handbook of adolescent psychology (pp. 74-103). Wiley.
5. Coleman, J. S. (1961). Adolescent Society: The Social Life of the Teenager and Its Impact on Education. Free Press.
6. Dishion, T. J., & Tipsord, J. M. (2011). Peer contagion in child and adolescent social and emotional development. Annual Review of Psychology, 62, 189-214.
7. Dornbusch, S. M., & Nadler, L. (1991). The impact of family socialization on adolescent development. Adolescence, 26(102), 243-250.
8. Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
9. Freud, S. (1923). The Ego and the Id. Hogarth Press.
10. Hall, G. S. (1904). Adolescence: Its Psychology and Its Relation to Physiology, Anthropology, Sociology, Sex, Crime, Religion, and Education. D. Appleton and Company.
11. Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.
12. Kirby, D. (2007). Emerging answers 2007: Research findings on programs to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
13. Moore, K. A., et al. (2015). Adolescent well-being: The importance of social relationships. Child Indicators Research, 8(2), 439-458.
14. Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media effects on young women’s body image concerns: Theoretical perspectives and an agenda for research. Sex Roles, 71(11-12), 363-377.
15. Piaget, J. (1952). The Origins of Intelligence in Children. International Universities Press.
16. Reynolds, A. J., et al. (2019). Socioeconomic status and adolescent mental health: The role of peers and support. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(4), 667-679.
17. Rousseau, J. J. (1911). Emile, or On Education. J.M. Dent & Sons.
18. Steinberg, L. (2014). Adolescence. McGraw-Hill Education.
19. Steinberg, L. (2021). Adolescence. McGraw-Hill Education.
20. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Overview of findings. Rockville, MD.
21. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.