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Teenagers face numerous problems during adolescence period. These include mostly biological changes. At the same time, they encounter other issues like morality, sexuality, family, psychological, substance abuse, identity, and school, to mention but a few. This is considered the most difficult period in a human’s life because it determines the future path taken by an individual. The research has shown that theoretical approaches to adolescent problems are partly opposite to the reality. Society and environment play key roles in determining how teenagers handle adolescence issues.
For this reason, an interview with a teenager has been conducted with an aim of comparing adolescence experiences with the theories. It was necessary to understand the teenagers’ main problems and concerns during the adolescence period. In this regard, an interview with young girl from a Madison High school has been arranged. Jane is 15; she has recently become a sophomore. It was necessary to know her opinion of a number of issues and problems of the adolescent period, and then compare them with other high schools and middle school students’ experiences.
The girl was quite pleased with our conversation given the fact that we barely knew each other, however, she was a bit shy and constrained. Jane can be described as elegant, quite tall for her age, and extremely beautiful. She showed her prowess in communication throughout the interview. Jane was observant, sublime, and rapt during the interview showing composure and discipline. In fact, I was surprised since my previous interview had not been as much successful as this one turned out to be. I briefly told her a few things from my autobiography to spark off the conversation and at the same time to make her feel at ease.
She then told me about her background as well as ambitions she pursued at Madison in brief. I assured her that our interview was confidential, which made her feel free. Jane told me that she comes from a Caucasian family. Her both parents were always supportive of her. I could see excitement in her eyes as she was waiting for the first question. First, I asked about her family and she told me about her parents. Jane’s parents loved her to such an extent that she felt she could not live without their support. Her mother taught her the things which she has to face in adolescence. I could take notice of the fact that she was quite suspicious of fellow adolescents of the male gender.
Having both parents in a neighborhood where some children had a single parent gave her the peace of mind. She said that throughout her life, she always loved her mother and disclosed every issue to her. Jane was still sexually inactive though she was under pressure from her friends to try new experience out. She decided to follow her mother’s footsteps in managing a healthy family. According to Jane, getting into relationships was not a priority for her. She wanted to be self-reliant and helpful to her parents, whom she admired.
Jane’s house was on a healthy mortgage as her parents were servicing their debts. She loved the kind of life they lived. She went for holidays every summer, each time in a different place. When talking about adolescent, she would only grin and say that she was aware of biological changes that were ongoing. She also highlighted that she felt she was more attractive to men than it used to be. However, she declined any advances given what she was taught by her mother on unwanted pregnancies and the importance of staying virgin before marriage.
Jane was equally surprised at the pace of these changes; she was 5 foot 6 inches at the age of15 being taller than her mother, who was 5 foot 5 inches. Other issues of great concern to her were related to high school studies, where students have to face numerous challenges. For instance, some of her friends started abusing drugs as early as 10 years old, which happened mainly because of media influence promoting the use of drugs. Some students never finish high school.
In fact, she said that two of her friends dropped in middle and high schools respectively because of mental health issues due to their drug abuse. Jane noted that she was fond of lawn tennis, which is why, she represented her school in the state tournaments. The girl was also aware of the changes around her, as a result, she spent more time and energy on constructive activities like studying and sports.
In general, I must admit that the interview was tantalizing and moving, which I, enjoyed very much to a great extent. Thereafter, we parted and wished one another the best of luck.
Impact of media on gender role development
The media has an important role in development of the youth. Most adolescents take after celebrities. These are usually sports and media personalities. Jane noted that most celebrities focus on their class status and money. However, they rarely show good manners and behavior, in fact, often misleading many teenagers in wrong direction. A good number of celebrities abuse drugs being the cause for concern in the development of the youth. Gender role has also been difficult to establish given the rising need for quality and affirmative actions. Most girls now have ambitions of becoming actresses or models.
Career and gender roles have increasingly diminished with the advent of media. In addition, technological advances have made work easier for both genders. At the same, media can be said to have strengthened the gender roles. In fact, most adolescents grow without knowing the exact roles subscribed to them by gender and society. Moreover, media has been in forefront fighting for gender equality. The result of this is an increased number of single parents because of frequent divorces (Santrock, 2012, p. 23).
Status of their identity and racial identity development
Status of identity of the adolescents is quite complex. In fact, most adolescents are confused about their identity; they usually wish they would be left alone to solve their issues on their own. They strive to become adults and lead their lives accordingly; they are highly expectant of the advantages of being grown-ups. One common aspect observed in adolescents is the fact that they relate quite easily with their peers and turn out to be driven by them.
In fact, adolescents in company of ill-behaved peers end up following wrong activities. On the other hand, those in morally upright peer groups tend to uphold the right morals. This is quite different from adults, who first tend to rationalize things before indulging in them. Adolescents are usually less concerned with racial identity. In fact, they make friends quite easily with their peers from other races. This is the only group of individuals that can share most activities and experiences together (Morgan & Korobov, 2012, p. 15).
Any concerns experienced by the adolescent
As it has been mentioned, adolescents face numerous issues. For instance, Jane talked about drug abuse, single parenthood, friends, sexuality, and psychological issues. Moreover, Jane mentioned inquiries and isolation of friends who had single parents. This made them feel isolated and neglected. Other concerns included drug abuse, which she attributed to media and peer pressure. Therefore, celebrities should change their behavior patterns and attitude concerning the drug abuse for they have misled numerous adolescents. One of the main concerns among adolescents is referred to their sexuality.
This is a difficult issue for adolescents who are known to rebel while exploring their sexual needs and desires. Jane attributed this fact to their exposure to media, which is quite true because some programs on the air are usually meant for adults, but they are watched by adolescents. Other issues include financial freedom since they usually need to satisfy their growing needs (Morgan & Korobov, 2012, p. 15).
Experience in interviewing the adolescent
The interview was ecstatic and tantalizing. I was interested in Jane’s experience. In fact, I hoped to find more adolescents mentally matured to reveal the aforementioned adolescent experiences. I also learned that theory is slightly different from the realities most adolescents face on everyday basis. In fact, I believe that the environment which an adolescent comes from is essential in shaping his/her attitude and behavior.
Moreover, it determines how a person reacts to the experiences. Issues like drug abuse and sexuality are more related to peer-group influence than one’s heritage. Parents should also be very careful in determining the kind of environment to raise their children in. What is more, they should monitor the kind of peer group their teenagers join.
This experience was wonderful as it made me understand the peculiarities in regards to the adolescence period. It also made me comprehend the fact that most adolescents believe they are sure to know what is best for them, even when they are wrong. Parents should, therefore, strive to assist and understand their children better (Santrock, 2012, p. 10).
Reference List
Morgan, E. & Korobov, N. (2012). Interpersonal identity formation in conversations with close friends about dating relationships. Journal of Adolescence, 35(6), 1471–1483. Web.
Santrock, J.W. (2012). Adolescence. Madison, WI: Brown & Benchmark.
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