The concept of `` adolescence '' appears in the industrial society of the 19th century, and refers to a process of transition, of changes, not so much a definite stage.
Following the current representations, teenagers would be full of shortcomings comparing themselves to an adult, since they are easily influenced by the media, they give a lot of importance to the groups, they love being the center of attention, they think they are constantly observed, are characterized by impulsivity and not thinking about the consequences of their actions, are plagued with internal conflicts, obsessed with sex and They are foolish because they believe that situations are easily modifiable. But is this definition of teenagers real or is it just a stereotype? In addition, when this adolescent sketch is made, with whom are they being compared: with any adult, or with an idealized adult?
In postmodern society they were not branded as individuals full of negative aspects but rather the opposite, they were valued as mature and refined people, with reformist ideas. In fact, we could say that they were a social model at that time, since many adults wanted to resemble them. Perhaps, in part, we can say that there are currently people who return to consider adolescents as models for being young and for being also attributed certain qualities, such as being carefree, cheerful and creative.
With whom are they being compared: with any adult, or with an idealized adult?
Adolescence is a very important moment because the person is exploring, shaping their identity, defining their tastes and differentiating themselves from others. To form their identity, and achieve more independence and autonomy, they distance themselves from the parents (who until then were their main reference figure) and begin to feel more linked to those who are the same age.
On what has been said above that there are many negative ideas and stereotypes about adolescence, it is in the sense that certain issues are exaggerated. For example, on impulsivity, it is true that it may be greater in the adolescent, and has as a factor (not cause) the lack of maturity of the prefrontal cortex. Do teenagers don't know how to handle emotions? In part it will be due to having an activity in the amygdala superior to that of the frontal lobe (in adults it happens in reverse), but anyway, are these differences so great? The relationships between brain changes (which have a strong presence during adolescence, until the age of 20 when the brain reaches maturity) and behavior are not causal. All behavior attends to many factors, there is never a single cause that explains it.
In adolescence they influence, as at any other time in life: the education received, the sum of experiences, possible events that may disturb the person's well-being - such as deaths in the family environment, divorce, residence changes, etc.
There are physical and biological changes (changes occur throughout life even if they are quite pronounced at puberty). Therefore, we must be critical of stereotypes about adolescence so as not to act in a biased way. It is possible that what we think teenagers usually do, such as rebellion, is not fulfilled by that person with whom we are but who happens to fulfill it as a self-fulfilling prophecy. And what we think of other people greatly influences the way they behave, since, without almost realizing it, we will act differently before them and their responses will vary.
If we treat a person as if he doesn't know anything and we already say that he is “in the age of the turkey”, without stopping to see if he really has that behavior that we attribute to him for having reached a certain age, will he not rebel against U.S? Won't you show anger and distance yourself? The question remains open, although the answer seems clear.
Source: http://www.psyciencia.com
Some reflections on adolescence - Psyciencia
