The question What is adolescence is one of the definition, and the precise
nature of the definition is likely to vary from culture to culture. Adolescence is
generally considered as the stage in a persons life between childhood &
adulthood. It is a stage where many changes are taking place. It is stage, which is
confusing to themselves and those around him/her. It is essential to understand the
challenges confronting the adolescence in various areas possible reasons and what
one can do to reduce them along with the role the society at large has to play.
Adolescence presents many challenges as biological, psychological and social challenges
are confronted. When adolescence is unable to confront and deal with the developmental
challenges successfully they are likely to be unhelpful psychological, emotional and
behavioral consequences. Some may be more successful in facing the challenges, while some
may fail to do so. The reasons may be partly related to personality traits, or due to the
environment and support he/she receives. The biological challenges in adolescence include
physical changes (e.g., changes in height, weight, appearance or development of secondary
sexual organs both for boys and girls), sexual changes (production of sexual
hormones that occur during puberty, fantasy etc.) & emotional changes which may be
influenced by the rise in sexual hormones.
In the cognitive or the thinking
realm they learn to think creatively and critically, can understand or make sense of other
people, and develop the ability to think logically.
The psychological challenges
involve the formation of a new personal identity (such as who am I sense of personal
control, sense of future possibilities and alternative choices) and develop a wide range
of emotional responses (shame, guilt, anger, embarrassment, excitement, sadness).
The wider society parents family
and peer groups (friends) all have expectations. The combined expectations challenge the
adolescent to make changes in the social behavior.
One cannot ignore the moral and
spiritual challenges, which are important to the processes of social and psychological,
when a wide range of moral decisions confronts them. These development challenges may be
daunting and overwhelming for some. For the fortunate ones whom have confronted the task
successfully, the role of the support given by parents, teachers and the wider society is
to be noted. Unfortunately, in reality, many youths will not experience a smooth,
untroubled journey through this adolescent phase. The difficulty may be attributed to a
variety of factors - adolescents personality and ability to cope, early childhood
experiences (e.g., unhelpful parental behavior, physical abuse, neglect), external
environmental behavior stresses (family environment like the parental style, functional
style, parental relationship, alcoholic parent, domestic violence), educational
environment, exposure to sexuality issues (through media, friends) and socio-economic
pressures .
The influence of parents is likely
to decrease while those of peers/friends are likely to increase. There may be a struggle
between peers pressure and parental pressure. Peer groups & gangs can become a part of
adolescent behavior. They may be associated with increased levels of problem behavior use
of cigarettes & sexual activity. These are some of the hazards, which an adolescent is
likely to face. Confronting them is an essential part of the adolescents journey
towards adulthood. It can become harmful for those who are unable to respond adequately.
Individuals who cope most
successfully are those who make the best use of their own personal coping resources &
make use of other resources, which may be available, and of value. e.g.; An adolescent
might use a friend, parents or a counselor or a peaceful place in which to relax, think
and make decisions. The non-productive coping includes worrying wishful coping, ignoring
the problem, turning to use of substances like cigarettes or drugs for immediate relief,
keeping things to oneself & self-blame.
When adolescent are demonstrating
these symptoms, they should be referred to mental health services who can assess and treat
their condition.
However, it is also equally
important to develop their own coping mechanisms, have a supportive environment. The wider
society-parents & teachers can form a trusting relationship & be supportive. Just
listening to them & trying to understand their behavior & underlying emotions does
a great help to teens.
" It is said that
unsophistication makes a man empty & that emptiness makes him carefree. It may be true
among those who were born dead & who exit like frozen corpses; but the sensitive boy
who feels much & knows little is the most unfortunate creature under the sun, because
he is torn by two forces. The first force elevates him & shows him the beauty of
existence through a cloud of dreams; the second ties him down to the earth & fills his
eyes with dust & overpowers him with fears & darkness" Kahlil Gibran
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