The Characteristics of Adolescents

The Characteristics of Adolescents

Works Cited Not Included

Adolescence, the period of life between childhood and maturity, may be

regarded as one of the most crucial stages through which the human

individual passes in his journey from conception to death. For many,

it is seen as the key stage in development. Changes in physique and

the maturation of the reproductive system bring with them associated

changes in emotions and the whole pattern of psychological

characteristics is restructured as the individual strives to attain a

sense of identity. Development in intellectual functioning provides

the adolescent with the ability to question himself, his family, his

world, and his values (Garrod, Smulyan, Powers, and Kilkenny, 1992).

Adolescents begin to develop principles- not necessarily those that

adults would like to have them develop- but nevertheless principles of

conduct. They are deeply influenced by "what is done" among their

peers or among people slightly older than themselves, whom they

respect. Adolescents tend to revolt against whatever code of morals

may be in vogue in their corner of the world, and they can become

completely obsessed by almost any moral problem. They are normally

prejudiced and uncompromising in whatever attitude they adopt. This

stage of growth is a difficult one for them and for everyone else, but

perhaps it is necessary as a step from the unthinking acceptance of

childhood to the independent thinking of an adult. During this period,

the adolescent is an unreasonable creature. He does a good deal of

hard thinking, accompanied by endless hours of talking with his peers,

about his philosophy of life. Int...

... middle of paper ...

...cult to

engage in discussions about problems that affect them, and less likely

to respond on a feeling level than young women.

Being the mother of two children, aged twenty-one and nineteen years

of age, I am aware of how a youth's characteristics would impact on

our session. I have never had a problem dealing with adolescents, as I

am consistently interacting with teenagers on a regular basis.

Therefore, I am familiar with the problems that might be addressed

during therapy; such as the fear of disclosure, inability to see

problem behaviours, and their view that counselling is punitive. As a

result, I would use various micro skills that I have acquired over

numerous years to make sure the counselling environment was as

comfortable for the adolescent as possible, therefore allowing them to

discuss their problems.