ADOLESCENCE DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY

Jack is an adolescent, fifteen years of age, who lives with his mother, father, and two sisters. He attends high school and has recently begun a part time job. He has a new girlfriend. He states he feels close to his family members but finds himself more annoyed than usual with his parents and his sisters; he seems to always be arguing with someone. His parents support his work activities as long as his good grades remain; they encourage planning for college and future job security.

Adolescence may span a ten-year period, and is labeled as having a series of phases. Early adolescence covers ages from 11 through 14, middle adolescence ranges from age 15 to age 18, and late adolescence is from age 18 through age 21. Adolescence contains fundamental changes, with unique contexts, and psychosocial developments (Steinberg, 1989). Jack is 15, just entering middle adolescence.

Changes that take place in adolescence include biological or the onset of puberty, cognitive with more advanced thinking abilities, and social or a transition into new societal roles. Puberty brings physical changes and a required adaptation to a new self-image. This may result in changes in familial relationships; needs for more privacy may develop and new discomforts with physical affection may be present. New abilities for hypothetical and abstract thinking leads to new capabilities such as planing ahead, arguing wi

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entity changes include self-esteem and self-conceptions; the adolescent begins to wonder who he is and where he is going. The quest for answers may lead to experimenting with different roles or personalities. Struggles to be independent and self-governing may be difficult for the adolescent and his social system. Emotional distancing may develop with efforts to become less dependent. Levels of intimacy may increase during adolescence; openness, honesty, and exchanging confidences may emerge. Sexual activity usually begins during this period; this further transforms relationships. Achievement now takes on new meaning as it relates to plans for future educational and vocational decisions (Steinberg, 1989). Jack is discovering the changes in his relationships with family members that are typically found in adolescent development; his striving for autonomy is resulting in emotional distancing and constant arguing with his parents. He is no longer comfortable fooling around with his sisters and prefers to spend his free time with his new girlfriend. He is beginning to experiment with sexual activity. His part time job feels like more than just a job to him, he wonders if it will assist him with regard to a future vocation.

Category: Psychology - A