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Parents
are often worried or confused by changes in their teenagers.
The following information should help parents understand this
phase of development. Each teenager is an individual with
a unique personality and special interests, likes and dislikes.
However, there are also numerous developmental issues that
everyone faces during the adolescent years. The normal feelings
and behaviors of the late high school adolescent are described
below.
Movement
towards Independence
- Increased
independent functioning
- Firmer
and more cohesive sense of identity
- Examination
of inner experiences
- Ability
to think ideas through
- Conflict
with parents begins to decrease
- Increased
ability for delayed gratification and compromise
- Increased
emotional stability
- Increased
concern for others
- Increased
self-reliance
- Peer
relationships remain important and take an appropriate place
among other interests
Future
Interests and Cognitive Changes
- Work
habits become more defined
- Increased
concern for the future
- More
importance is placed on one's role in life
Sexuality
- Feelings
of love and passion
- Development
of more serious relationships
- Firmer
sense of sexual identity
- Increased
capacity for tender and sensual love
Morals,
Values, and Self-Direction
- Greater
capacity for setting goals
- Interest
in moral reasoning
- Capacity
to use insight
- Increased
emphasis on personal dignity and self-esteem
- Social
and cultural traditions regain some of their previous importance
Teenagers
do vary slightly from the above descriptions, but the feelings
and behaviors are, in general, considered normal for each
stage of adolescence.
Article
#58 Updated 05/97
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