Analysis adolescence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Analysis adolescence - Essay Example My goal in this paper is to analyse adolescence and youth of today as echoed in Hall’s â€Å"sensation-seeking adolescents† several decades ago. The reasons behind the innate aggressive behavior of males and females are examined. Sexual development is discussed to give light to the questions of heightened sexuality during adolescence. I will try to establish the link between sensation-seeking and risk behavior, especially the occurrence of confusions in adolescents. The different aspects of adolescents’ confusions on matters like physical changes, eating habits, and sexuality are viewed. Their desire to build their own identity keeps them at odd with their parents. They feel nobody loves them so they become closer to their friends. But sometimes, they fall victims to wrong companions and they are led to drugs, unreasonable behavior and other forms of vices. Peer pressure and family pressures are also discussed to unravel what’s going on inside an adolescen t’s mind. Another controversial aspect is the analysis of the child’s sexuality. ... Hall’s â€Å"storm and stress† view is examined in three key aspects: conflict with parents, mood disruptions and peer pressures. In all three aspects, evidence supports a modified storm and stress view that takes into account individual differences and cultural disparities. This paper will present research that both supports and critises the inherent nature of adolescents. The analysis of the case is achieved in three main sections. I will begin by giving the meaning of adolescence. ‘Adolescence is the process of changing from a child into an adult’ (Hurrelnan1994). Furthermore, rapid changes in body size and shape are the most obvious signs of approaching adolescence. Both girls and boys grow swiftly in height. ‘The arm and leg bones lengthen, and the chin and jaws develop so the face takes on a more mature look’ (Rice 1986). Finally, Hall’s observation of adolescence as a period of storm and stress is investigated before concluding. I t is during adolescence that young people mature physically, becomes responsible and start to face the world on their own. ‘It usually begins at the age of 11 and 14, and continues six to ten years’ (Allen 1993). Physical changes are evident in their bodies. ‘The girl’s body becomes more rounded and soft, her hips broaden and her breasts start to develop. Her voice deepens and pubic hair starts to grow. On the other hand, the boy’s body becomes firmer and angular, his voice deepens, his shoulder broadens and hair develops in his body and feet. Sex glands mature in both sexes’ (Santrock 1987). These changes begin before puberty and differ from one person to another. ‘In both sexes, the reproductive organs gradually reach their adult sizes and functions during the first two-thirds of adolescence.