Ordinarily, the adolescence stage of human development among teenagers is usually masked by an array of psychological issues especially with regard to personal responsibility and character formation. In most cases, adolescents are observed to develop anti-social behaviors such as juvenile delinquency, suicide and substance abuse. In addition, some adolescents become rebellious to authority, and they often y express identity issues. It is believed that the adolescence stage of human development is the most sensitive, especially with regard to health risks and identity formation crisis which may orient teenagers to unsafe social behavior, leading to social and health harm. From a psychological perspective, adolescent’s psychological development is profoundly influenced by family, school and the social-cultural environment within which they grow in (Claiborne & Drewery 2009). Some of the most significant aspects of adolescent development, which are affected in the process of development, include biopsychosocial development, family disruption, self-esteem and cognitive abilities. In addition, psychological development among adolescents is faced with challenges in acquiring cognitive and social skills which are relevant in their ultimate social growth and mental health. It is believed that, the roles of the parents and family at large are fundamental in helping the adolescents to acquire appreciable social behavior for efficient advancement into the adulthood stage of development which requires a high level of social character, especially with regard to the societal norms and cultural customs. On the other hand, adolescents are exposed to numerous health threats, especially with regard to mental health, owing to their possible exposure to substance abuse and peer pressure. Therefore, this essay will focus on the psychological developmental issues related the adolescence stage of human development. It will give a comprehensive analysis of the adolescent’s psychological development in both single and nuclear families, especially with regard to the teenage ability to assume different roles in the family. It will also highlight on health threats faced by adolescents during their development in their social-cultural environment in relation to developmental theory.
Table of Contents
- In regard to parenthood
- Mental health
- However, diversity has a role to play
- It is believed that teenagers are deeply interested in computer games
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes psychological developmental issues in adolescents, focusing on the impact of family structure (single vs. nuclear families) and environmental factors on their behavior and mental health. It examines how these factors influence the development of responsibility, maturity, and coping mechanisms, exploring the roles of attachment theory and self-determination theory in understanding adolescent behavior.
- The influence of family structure (single vs. nuclear families) on adolescent psychological development.
- The role of parenting styles in shaping adolescent behavior and maturity.
- The impact of mental health issues, including suicide and juvenile delinquency, on adolescent well-being.
- The relationship between exposure to computer games and violent behavior in adolescents.
- The application of attachment theory and self-determination theory in understanding adolescent development.
Chapter Summaries
In regard to parenthood: This chapter explores the differences in psychological development between adolescents raised in single-parent versus nuclear families. It argues that adolescents in single-parent families often exhibit greater maturity due to increased responsibilities, such as caring for younger siblings and participating in family decision-making. The Attachment Theory is used to explain this difference, suggesting that secure attachment in single-parent families fosters maturity, while nuclear families may exhibit more ambivalent, disorganized, or avoidant attachments, hindering the development of responsibility. Parenting styles are also discussed, with single parents often employing more authoritarian or authoritative styles that promote responsibility, while nuclear families may exhibit more permissive styles that discourage maturity.
Mental health: This section examines the significant issue of mental health in adolescents, focusing on suicidal behaviors and juvenile delinquency. It highlights the link between mental illness and suicide attempts, citing statistics on the prevalence of psychiatric illnesses among suicide completers and attempters. The chapter also explores the influence of environmental factors, such as access to firearms and exposure to violent computer games, on suicidal behavior and juvenile delinquency. The Self-Determination Theory is introduced to explain the link between computer games and violent behaviors, suggesting that curiosity and the desire to emulate game actions contribute to aggressive tendencies.
However, diversity has a role to play: This section delves into the role of gender in adolescent psychological development, specifically contrasting the maturity levels of male and female adolescents raised in single-parent households. It observes that male adolescents in single-mother families tend to exhibit less responsibility than their female counterparts, possibly due to increased peer influence and risk-taking behavior. The discussion also emphasizes the potential for both social and biological diversity to influence the development of responsible behavior.
It is believed that teenagers are deeply interested in computer games: This chapter further explores the relationship between computer games and adolescent behavior, focusing on the link between violent video games and aggressive tendencies. It argues that the curiosity sparked by these games can lead adolescents to emulate violent actions, particularly when coupled with peer pressure and easy access to firearms. This section expands on the Self-Determination Theory, connecting intrinsic motivation stemming from the games to potentially harmful external actions. The rising rates of homicides among teenagers are linked to this phenomenon and the accessibility of firearms.
Keywords
Adolescent psychological development, family structure, parenting styles, attachment theory, self-determination theory, mental health, suicide, juvenile delinquency, computer games, violence, gender differences, responsibility, maturity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Adolescent Psychological Development
What is the main focus of this essay?
This essay analyzes psychological developmental issues in adolescents, focusing on the impact of family structure (single vs. nuclear families) and environmental factors (like exposure to computer games) on their behavior and mental health. It examines how these factors influence the development of responsibility, maturity, and coping mechanisms, exploring the roles of attachment theory and self-determination theory in understanding adolescent behavior.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the influence of family structure on adolescent development, the role of parenting styles, the impact of mental health issues (including suicide and juvenile delinquency), the relationship between computer games and violent behavior, and the application of attachment theory and self-determination theory to adolescent development. The essay also considers the role of gender in adolescent psychological development.
How does family structure influence adolescent development?
The essay explores differences in psychological development between adolescents raised in single-parent versus nuclear families. It suggests that adolescents in single-parent families may exhibit greater maturity due to increased responsibilities, potentially linked to more secure attachment styles. In contrast, nuclear families may exhibit more ambivalent or avoidant attachments, hindering the development of responsibility. Parenting styles also play a crucial role.
What is the role of parenting styles in shaping adolescent behavior?
The essay discusses how different parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative, permissive) influence adolescent maturity and responsibility. Single parents may often employ more authoritarian or authoritative styles promoting responsibility, while nuclear families might exhibit more permissive styles.
What is the essay's discussion on mental health in adolescents?
The essay examines mental health issues, particularly suicidal behaviors and juvenile delinquency. It highlights the link between mental illness and suicide attempts, exploring the influence of environmental factors (access to firearms, exposure to violent computer games) on these behaviors.
How does the essay connect computer games and violent behavior?
The essay explores the relationship between exposure to computer games, particularly violent video games, and aggressive tendencies in adolescents. It suggests that curiosity and the desire to emulate game actions, coupled with peer pressure and access to firearms, can contribute to violent behavior. Self-Determination Theory is used to explain this connection.
What role does gender play in adolescent development?
The essay examines gender differences in adolescent psychological development, specifically contrasting the maturity levels of male and female adolescents raised in single-parent households. It observes that male adolescents in single-mother families may exhibit less responsibility than their female counterparts, potentially due to increased peer influence and risk-taking behavior.
What theories are used to explain adolescent behavior?
The essay utilizes Attachment Theory to explain the impact of family structure and parenting styles on adolescent development and maturity. Self-Determination Theory is employed to understand the link between computer games and violent behaviors, focusing on intrinsic motivation and its potential for harmful external actions.
What are the key takeaways from the essay?
The essay emphasizes the complex interplay of family structure, parenting styles, mental health, environmental factors (including exposure to violent media), and individual differences in shaping adolescent psychological development. It highlights the importance of considering multiple perspectives and utilizing theoretical frameworks like Attachment Theory and Self-Determination Theory to better understand adolescent behavior and well-being.
- Quote paper
- Patrick Kimuyu (Author), 2018, Issues Affecting Psychological Development in Adolescents, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/423941
