1. Journal
What do you think are the biggest pressures/challenges of being an adolescent in today’s world? (Minimum of 3)

2. Introduction
Adolescents make up approximately million people in the US (13.9%) ¹
The term adolescence comes from the Latin verb adolescere, which means “to go into adulthood.”
Transition between childhood and adulthood
From about the ages of 11-19
Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, cognitive,
sexual, social and emotional changes.
It is an adjustment period for the adolescent,
their parents, and those who are in
frequent contact with them.
Physical
Sexual
Facts about Adolescent Development – statistics from 2003 – see website at bottom of slide.
Cognitive
Emotional
Social ¹
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

3. Important Statistics
Young Americans between the ages of 13 and 24 are still contracting HIV at the rate of 2 per hour. Office of Natural AIDS Policy
Every year 3 million teens--about 1 in 4 sexually active teens -- get a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
American Social Health Administration
One-third of all smokers had their first cigarette by the age of 14.  Ninety percent of all smokers begin before the age of 21. American Lung Association
Individuals who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become alcohol dependent than those who begin drinking at age 21. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youths ages 15 to 20. National Center for Health Statistics
Important Statistics that target adolescents – stats from 2005 – see website on bottom of slide.
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

4. What is “normal” difficult behavior?
Developmental Goal during Adolescence: The child develops
self identity and the capacity for intimacy.
“Normal” Difficult Behavior
Moodiness
Less affection shown to parents
Greatly influenced by peers
Preoccupation with sex/exploration
Very occasional experimentation with cigarettes or alcohol
Extremely self-involved
Self- conscious
Involvement with cliques
Cries for Help
Regular use of alcohol and/or other drugs
Sexual promiscuity
Lying or stealing
Destructive or delinquent behavior
Poor school behavior
Persistent Negative attitude
Frequent temper outbursts
Extreme fear of leaving home
Self- Mutilation
Suicidal ideas or suicide attempt
Before showing “Normal Difficult Behaviors you may want to ask the audience what they think are “typical” difficult behaviors that most adolescents experience while they enter into and continue through their adolescent years (you may need to provide an example, but see how many they can come up with). Then discuss the behaviors that may not be as “typical” and may be cries for help.
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

5. Physical Development
Onset of puberty begins the physical development of children
Puberty should take 3-6 years to complete
Growth Spurt
Secondary sex characteristics develop
Menstruation and hormonal changes
Teens may sleep more
Exercise to reinforce learning
You may want to start out by saying that you will be discussing physical, cognitive, and social development during adolescence (this is what you will be discussing in the next few slides). Depending on time constraints, you may want to do a little research on male vs. female physical changes throughout puberty.
Research suggests that teens actually need more sleep to allow their bodies to conduct the internal work required for such rapid growth. On average, teens need about 9 1/2 hours of sleep a night. l
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

6. Cognitive Development
Adolescence appears to begin with a series of changes in cognitive ability
Thinking and reasoning
Developing abstract thinking skills.
Systematic searching for solutions
You may want to discuss how this is different than previous development and provide examples of what it means to think critically about something (e.g., thinking about things that cannot be seen, heard, or touched such as faith, trust, beliefs and spirituality)
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

7. Cognitive Development
Ability to reason about hypothetical problems
Intellectual interests expand and gain in importance
Developing the ability to think about thinking in a process known as "meta-cognition
Think about how they feel and what they are thinking
Meta-cognition also involves being able to think about how one is perceived by others.
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

8. Social Development Greater autonomy and less dependence on parents.
Need increased age-appropriate independence and freedom
Parental support is still necessary
Relationship with parents changes in three ways:
1. As cognitive ability increases, their perceptions of parents change. Now, view them as individuals as well as parents
2. Less time is spent with parents and families
3. More conflict with parents
Autonomy - The right or power to govern oneself; self-determination; independence
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

9. Social Development More intimate relationships with peers
As less time is spent with family, peers become important during this time
Beginnings of establishing an identity
Reason in adult terms about moral issues and values
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

10. Central tasks in psychosocial development of the adolescent
Autonomy from parents and family
Variations in parental behavior is necessary (value autonomy and disciplined will)
Establishing satisfying peer relationships and friendships. Learning intimacy.
Relationships with peers serve as prototypes for adult relationships
Peers provide emotional support
It is within friendship groups that teens can develop and practice social skills. Teens are quick to point out to each other which behaviors are acceptable and which are not.
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

11. Psychosocial development
Develop an identity
Separate, distinct individual
Consistency between one’s own and other people’s perceptions of one’s identity.
Develop skills of moral reasoning
Question social and political beliefs of adults
Personal values and opinions become less absolute
Political thought is less authoritarian
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

12. Movement towards Independence
Middle School to Early High School Years
Struggle with sense of identity
Feeling awkward or strange about one’s self and one’s body
Focus on self, alternating between high expectations and poor self-esteem
Interests and clothing style influenced by peers
Moodiness
Improved ability to express one’s self
Identification of parents faults
Less overt affections shown to parents
Complaints of parental interference
Tendency to return to childish behavior
You may want to preface this slide by saying that you will be discussing the movement towards independence, sexuality, and morals/values/self-direction as adolescents move from middle school to early high school and then also during late high school years. The next few slides will reflect this discussion. On this slide, read through the characteristics of this time period as adolescents move toward independence.
Facts for families- Normal Adolescent Behavior
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

13. Sexuality Middle School to Early High School Years
Displays shyness, blushing and modesty
Girls develop physically sooner than boys
Increased interest in sex
Movement towards heterosexuality with fears of homosexuality
Concerns regarding physical and sexual attractiveness to others
Frequently changing relationships
Read through the characteristics of this time period as adolescents discover sexuality.
Facts for families- Normal Adolescent Behavior
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

14. Morals, Values, and Self Direction
Middle School to Early High School Years
Rule and limit testing
Capacity for abstract thought
Development of ideals and selection of role models
More consistent evidence of conscience
Experimentation with sex and drugs
Read through the characteristics of this time period as adolescents discover morals, values, and self-direction.
Facts for families- Normal Adolescent Behavior
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

15. Movement towards Independence
Late high school years and beyond
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 concerns for others
Increased self –reliance
Peer relationships remain important and take an appropriate place among other interests
Read through the characteristics of this time period as adolescents move toward independence; however, you may want to reflect on differences in the movement towards independence between this time period and from the middle school to early high school slide/time period (e.g., firmer and more cohesive identity, increased independence, increased emotional stability, etc.).
Facts for families- Normal Adolescent Behavior
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

16. Sexuality Late high school years and beyond
Feelings of love and passion
Development of more serious relationships
Firmer sense of sexual identity
Increased capacity for tender and sensual love
Read through the characteristics of this time period as adolescents experience sexuality; however, you may want to reflect on differences in experiencing sexuality between this time period and from the middle school to early high school slide/time period (e.g., more feelings of love and passion rather than just interested in sex).
Facts for families- Normal Adolescent Behavior
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

17. Morals, Values, and Self Direction
Late high school years and beyond
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
Read through the characteristics of this time period as adolescents develop morals/values/self-direction; however, you may want to reflect on differences in the development of morals/values/self-direction between this time period and from the middle school to early high school slide/time period (e.g., greater ability to set goals, use insight, and increased self-esteem, etc.).
Facts for families- Normal Adolescent Behavior
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

18. Risk Taking
All teens take risks as a normal part of growing up. It is a tool to define and develop an identity. Healthy risk taking is a valuable experience.
Healthy adolescent risk-taking behaviors have a positive impact on an adolescent's development and can include participation is sports, the development of artistic and creative abilities, travel, running for school office and others..
Unhealthy risk-taking may appear to be a rebellion. This is normal for this age group.
Red flags are persistent psychological problems, trouble at school, engaging in illegal activities and excessive unhealthy risk taking.
Make sure you focus on the fact that risk taking is normal and may have a positive impact on adolescent development; however, you need to watch out for the red flags!
Ponton, L. (1997). The Romance of Risk: Why Teenagers Do the Things they do. Basic Books
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

19. Risk Taking
Healthy risk-taking is a positive tool in an adolescent's life for discovering, his or her identity.
Healthy Alternatives
Physical activities such as sports
Extreme outdoor activities with appropriate guidance (white water rafting, rock climbing..)
Creative arts, developing hobbies
Open communication, talking about sex
Volunteering, participating in student exchange program, seeking out new friends
Part-time job, involvement in community activities
Unhealthy Risk Taking
Dangerous dieting and eating disorders
Using drugs and alcohol
Running away, staying out all night
Unprotected sexual activity
Gang violence, weapons, bullying, or scapegoating
Stealing, shoplifting
Discuss differences between unhealthy risk taking activities and health alternatives.
CSMH-MSMHA 2006

20. Exit Ticket
Knowing what you know now about “normal” behavior of adolescence, how should parents and teachers respond to rebellious and risky behavior?