Current Problems Faced by Teenagers

In western society, the time of adolescence is the time lips when young people are confronted with the problem of self-definition and identity. These problems are exacerbated by biological changes, as well as social and intercultural differences. One of the most common generalized problems of adolescence is that teenagers are attempting to grapple with the problems of a social system that maintains a particularly ambiguous nature.

Immediately, one must acknowledge that society itself contributes significantly to the way that adolescence is culturally transmitted. Kroger (1989) acknowledged that society was the main contributor to the way that most adolescents viewed themselves and the world. This, of course, engenders many conflicting relationships between teenagers and society, and often puts them at odds with their peers, parents, and other authority figures (Adelson, 1986).

Under that rubric, this paper will examine and overview several problems faced by adolescents in contemporary American society. These problems, while certainly not common to every adolescent, are among the more serious challenges faced by both parents and young people alike. These problems will include alcohol abuse, drug abuse, suicide, communication with authority figures, and problems in school. Using these five aspects, the paper will discuss the way these problems are affecting adolescents, and offer some solutions that parents, clergy, or counselors might use in dealing with them.

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ing fourth as the leading cause of death in the fifteen-to-nineteen-year age group. In fact, from 59 to 71 percent of surveyed adolescents believe that suicide is a potential solution to many adolescent problems (Domino, et al., 1988-1989). Comparing adolescents in psychological research, it seems that those with a high degree of possibility for suicidal behavior have experienced far more stress than their nonsuicidal counterparts. This stress, most evident in family disruptions, divorce, and discord, often combines with other stress related factors in adolescence to cause a predisposition toward suicidal behavior. Using a logistic regression model, Rubenstein, et al., (1989) found that the most dramatic increase in the risk of adolescent suicide comes from the cumulative effects of stress within an adverse situation and imitative behavior so common in children and adolescents. In order to effectively treat potential suicidal behavior in adolescents, Orbach (1988) suggests that counselors and therapists pay more attention to life circumstances than to imitative behavior from media influence. Such things as divorce, the death of a family member, child abuse and neglect, and academic pressures should be seen as signaling fac

Category: Psychology - C