Socioemotional Development in Adolescence Children 17 Socioemotional Development in Adolescence John W. Santrock

Socioemotional Development in Adolescence What Characterizes Emotional Development and Self-Development in Adolescence? What Is the Nature of Parent-Adolescent Relationships? What Aspects of Peer Relationships Are Important in Adolescence? Why Is Culture an Important Context for Adolescent Development? What Are Some Socioemotional Problems in Adolescence?

Emotional Development What Characterizes Emotional Development and Self-Development in Adolescence? Emotional Development More extreme emotions Emotions more changeable, fleeting Moodiness is normal Decrease in overall happiness Risk of depression

What Characterizes Emotional Development and Self-Development in Adolescence? Self-Reported Extremes of Emotions by Adolescents, Mothers, and Fathers 5 10 15 20 25 30 Percent of self-reports Very happy Very unhappy Mothers Adolescents Fathers Fig. 17.1

Self-Esteem How we feel about ourselves What Characterizes Emotional Development and Self-Development in Adolescence? Self-Esteem How we feel about ourselves Often decreases in transition from elementary to junior high school Appears to fluctuate across lifespan Higher for males at most ages

Self-Esteem Across the Lifespan What Characterizes Emotional Development and Self-Development in Adolescence? Self-Esteem Across the Lifespan 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.5 4.0 3.4 3.2 3.6 3.1 3.0 3.3 Average self-esteem score 18-22 Age 80-89 13-17 9-12 23-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 Fig. 17.2

Erikson and Identity 5th stage: Identity vs. identity confusion What Characterizes Emotional Development and Self-Development in Adolescence? Erikson and Identity 5th stage: Identity vs. identity confusion Confusion takes 2 forms: isolation or lost identity in the crowd Identity: a self-portrait of many pieces Physical, cognitive, social, emotional A lengthy, complex, lifelong process

Autonomy and Attachment What Is the Nature of Parent-Adolescent Relationships? Autonomy and Attachment Conflict when adolescents push for autonomy Parents should relinquish control gradually, as adolescent is able to make reasonable decisions Gender and culture affect seeking and granting autonomy

Parent-Adolescent Conflict What Is the Nature of Parent-Adolescent Relationships? Parent-Adolescent Conflict Escalated conflict due to Biological changes (puberty) Cognitive changes (idealism, logic) Social changes (independence, identity) Maturational changes Violated expectations

Parent-Adolescent Conflict What Is the Nature of Parent-Adolescent Relationships? Parent-Adolescent Conflict Parents serve as support system as adolescents explore wider world Most conflict is moderate Some prolonged, unhealthy conflict associated with adolescent problems Conflict is less in some cultures

Competent Adolescent Development What Is the Nature of Parent-Adolescent Relationships? Competent Adolescent Development Parents should Show warmth and respect Show sustained interest in children’s lives Recognize and adapt to child’s cognitive and socioemotional development Communicate expectations, high standards Display constructive problem solving

What Aspects of Peer Relationships Are Important in Adolescence? Friendships Dramatic increase in psychological importance and intimacy of close friends Most motivated by popularity with peers Peers help shape development; increased mutual dependency for many needs Friend’s character and quality of friendship are important influences

Change in Self-Disclosing in Conversations What Aspects of Peer Relationships Are Important in Adolescence? Change in Self-Disclosing in Conversations Self-disclosure in conversation score 2 3 4 1 Grade 5th 7th 10th College 2nd Fig. 17.5

Peer Groups Peer pressure can be negative; most is positive What Aspects of Peer Relationships Are Important in Adolescence? Peer Groups Peer pressure can be negative; most is positive Adolescents conform more to peer standards than younger children do Resist parental influence stronger in U.S. Self-esteem can motivate membership

Peer Groups Cliques Crowds Average 5 to 6 people Usually same sex, age What Aspects of Peer Relationships Are Important in Adolescence? Peer Groups Cliques Average 5 to 6 people Usually same sex, age Formed from shared activities, friendship Crowds Larger than cliques, more informal Usually formed based on reputation May not spend much time together

What Aspects of Peer Relationships Are Important in Adolescence? Peers and Culture Some societies restrict adolescents’ access to peers, especially girls Adolescents engage in more peer interaction during school and in shared leisure activities Adolescent lifestyles affect desires for and frequency of peer interactions

Dating and Romantic Relationships What Aspects of Peer Relationships Are Important in Adolescence? Dating and Romantic Relationships Dating and developmental changes Heterosexual romantic relationships Early romantic involvement More social anxiety More school-related problems Special social concerns Most youth find comfort in numbers

Age of Onset of Romantic Activity Percent of students 80 60 40 20 100 4th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 5th Grade Fig. 17.6

Depression More likely to occur in adolescence than in childhood What Are Some Socioemotional Problems in Adolescence? Depression More likely to occur in adolescence than in childhood Higher rates in girls than boys Related factors Family Peers Difficult changes

Suicide Rare in childhood; risk escalates in adolescence What Are Some Socioemotional Problems in Adolescence? Suicide Rare in childhood; risk escalates in adolescence Third leading cause of death in 10- to 19- year-olds in the U.S. 19% of U.S. high school students have considered or attempted Females more at risk than males

Suicide Risks in adolescence Homosexual adolescent risk controversial What Are Some Socioemotional Problems in Adolescence? Suicide Risks in adolescence Homosexual adolescent risk controversial Recent concern for use of antidepressants and suicidal thoughts Issues of copycat suicides Depression is most frequently cited factor

Successful Prevention/ Intervention Programs What Are Some Socioemotional Problems in Adolescence? Successful Prevention/ Intervention Programs Know that most at-risk adolescents have multiple problems Early sexual activity linked to use of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol High-risk youth do-it-all

Successful Prevention/ Intervention Programs What Are Some Socioemotional Problems in Adolescence? Successful Prevention/ Intervention Programs Intensive individualized attention Community-wide, multiagency, collaborative approaches Early identification and intervention