Question

Describe the challenges faced by adolescents with examples.

Answer 1

Adolescence is a period of storm and stress. They experience physiological and emotional changes during this stage. Adolescents are in search of self-identity. Some of them may have a poor body image, experience mood swings, lack of self confidence, or even have an inferiority complex.

Some of the major challenges faced by adolescents are -

1. Sexual Orientation - It refers to an individual's pattern of physical and emotional arousal towards other persons. Heterosexual individuals are attracted to persons of the opposite sex. Adolescents become conscious of their sexual orientation and it may become difficult for him/her to accept that his/her sexual orientation is different from that of peers.
2. Gender Identity - It refers to a perception of one's own gender which may or may not corresponds to their birth sex. It is affected by gender role expectations from society. Some adolescents may show traits associated with the other gender causing adjustment problems. Bern's test to assess gender identity suggests traits of masculinity like assertiveness, dominance, self-sufficiency, etc., and of femininity is nurturance, empathy, etc. When teenagers are inhibited from behaving in a way that is natural for him/her, they may become timid or rebellious.
3. Bullying - It refers to a form of aggressive behaviour, displayed by both boys and girls to gain power/prestige. Males indulge in bullying as part of powerful groups. Victims of bullying have low self-esteem, lack trust in others, engage in self-destructive behaviour, or fall into depression.