Question

What changes occur in adolescents in regard to self-concept and self-esteem? Who, in your opinion, has more of an impact on adolescents in regard to self-concept and self-esteem caregivers or peers? Support your response.

Answer 1

• Adolescence is an extremely critical period for the development of a teenager's self esteem.This is the phase wherein,a teenager is searching their sense of identity,searching who they are,developing opinions and learning new knowledge about the world.
• At this age physical changes are also taking place which influences the development of self esteem.Teenagers become extremely self conscious about their appearances and may sometimes develop low self esteem because of maybe being over weight,not having perfect body,perfect skin etc. which they see in magazines and televison showsthus,leading to depression,anxiety disorders,eating disorders and even drug abuse.
• The first drop occurs at the outset in early adolescence (ages 9-13) when the young person's separation from childhood creates a loss of contentment with being defined and treated any longer as just a child.
• In this process, many components of self-definition now considered "childish" - beloved interests, activities, and relationships that supported self-esteem - may be sacrificed for the sake of future growth and acting older.
• A lot of "kid stuff" of significant psychological value can be thrown away. Old toys and hobbies can be abandoned, and even cherished grandparents can be put at a distance.
• When the adolescent commits his or her identity to just one part of life - to having friends, to competitive sports, to high academic achievement - then when friends are lost, when injury ends athletics, when academic performance drops, esteem comes crashing down.
• When the adolescent is routinely hard on him or herself - from insisting on excellence, from criticizing failings, from punishing mistakes - then when expectations are unmet, when imperfections become apparent, when human errors occur, esteem comes crashing down.
• Peer pressure is something which adolescents face a lot.The need for acceptance becomes big during this time.Parents take a back seat and new relationships at school become a priority.Becoming part of "cool" groups in the school,surrounded by popular people of the school,being the center of attention,getting appreciating by others etc. becomes a big deal.
• Peers influence the way a teenager starts thinking and behaving.To be accepted they mould their opinions in a similiar way to be accepted by the group because of fear of being left out. They sometimes find their identities through this process.