Chapter Notes: Module 10
PSYC 200 Chapter Notes
Chapter 6: Adolescence (pages 218-225)
This chapter opens with a continuation of ideas related to self-concept/self-esteem and also, the important issue of identity formation.
Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory highlights the stage of identity versus identity confusion in adolescence, that time when adolescents are faced with deciding who they are, what they are all about, and where they are going in life. James Marcia expanded on Erikson's theory, and developmental psychologists continue to research areas of identity such as religious, political, vocational, gender, and ethnic. For some in the course, this section will ring very relevant and may feel very familiar to your own unfolding identity development.
Later in the chapter, attention will be devoted to parent and adolescent interaction. Let me note very quickly here, related to the topic of teen rebellion, two questions parents should ask in determining if the behavior is normal or not : 1. How frequent and intense is the rebellion? (normal rebellion is sporadic, with moments of calm and cooperation between outbursts). 2. Is this behavior drastic for your teen? (normal rebellious behavior develops over time, not overnight; problem rebellion is sudden and drastically out of character, perhaps suggesting an emotional crisis rather than normal tension and adjustment).
Stephen Covey is a well-known business management expert. One of Covey’s best-selling books was The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. His son, Sean Covey, wrote a book a few years ago titled, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens. I won’t list all of his suggestions for parents and teens, but here are a few of his points: Be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, and seek to understand—then to be understood. As you read through the section on families of adolescents, and consider potential tensions and conflicts, you can see the benefit of these practical and wise recommendations.
I would also add these five communication tips for dealing with parent-teen conflict: 1. Avoid unnecessary conflict (pick your battles). 2. Choose your words carefully. 3. Negotiate, accommodate, and compromise. 4. Let go of the past (once a problem, event or instance has passed, keep it in the past; don’t keep bringing it up all the time). 5. Assert authority (there are certainly times when for the health and welfare of your child, you will need to retain some measure of control as the parent; you draw the line and assert that you have the final say on the matter).
The next couple of pages underscore the growing influence and importance of peer relationships during the adolescent years. Though peer pressure can be negative and destructive, thankfully it can also be positive and constructive. When parents become concerned about whether or not their teenager is being affected by bad influences, I often suggest three signs to consider: 1. Overly secretive behavior (your teen is very secretive about his or her friends and won’t tell you about them or won’t let you meet them). 2. Your child doesn’t seem to think for themselves (he or she has to ask their friends before making any decisions). 3. Irresponsible (your teen doesn’t take responsibility for his or her own actions and instead always blames his friends). These three signs might be signs for concern.
There is a brief section on dating and romantic relationships, beginning on page 224. (NOTE: If you want to focus more time and thought on topics like this one, I teach PSYC/SOC 110 Courtship, Marriage and Family online most semesters.) Though this topic is not mentioned in this chapter, I would offer some tips for safe cyberdating: protect your privacy; pay attention to interactions that make you feel uncomfortable; remember that people you meet on the internet may not be who they say they are; if you decide to meet someone in real life, do not go alone.
Before we leave the subject of adolescence, let me point out a couple of additional readings. First, regarding the safety of schools, I encourage you to read an article about important lessons from the Columbine tragedy. The article is getting a bit dated, but the insights are not.
Regarding the serious issue of teen suicide, please read this fact sheet:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html Links to an external site.
If you want to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, remember: discussing suicide will not increase the risk of suicide; suicidal thoughts result from an inability to see other options; if a person tells you they are contemplating suicide, take it seriously and seek help immediately; and because people who are considering suicide feel as if they are a burden, it’s important to let them know they are loved and cared for, and how devastating their loss would be to others.
One influential aspect during adolescence is a good school. There are several studies which emphasize key characteristics of high-performing schools. Those of you who are education majors will certainly spend time studying important ingredients of successful schools. I like the summary of findings published by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It talks about the “New 3 R’s” of good education. They are: Rigorous instruction, Relevant Curriculum, and Meaningful Relationships.