Problems of Adolescence
A detailed discussion about the various developmental characteristics and the Problems of adolescence are described In this context.
An analysis of these characteristics and needs definitely will throw some light on the problems (Problems of adolescence) faced by the adolescent. Because there is a direct relationship between these three factors various developments such as physical, mental, social, and emotional, give rise to a number of special needs of adolescents.
There is a spontaneous tendency to satisfy these needs for better adjustment. When adolescents fail to fulfill their needs they face a number of problems, one at a time or many at a time.
Because one problem (Problems of adolescence) may result in other types of problems. As a result, adolescent boys and girls develop conflicts, frustrations, and violent reactions to failures.
A teacher must understand the reasons for their problems and should accordingly try to enable them to solve their problems. Some of the important problems faced by adolescence are:
1. Emotional problems
The abnormal functioning of the nervous system and the endocrine glands give rise to a number of emotional problems like the problem of inferiority and superiority complexes, and extreme emotions of frustration and triumph.
Excess anger and fear, What is required are to help the adolescent to control his emotions through the introduction of music, art, and co-curricular activities which will provide him with Catharsis and reduce emotional tension in him.
An adolescent faces the problem of adjustment and sometimes fails to adjust himself to the conditions at home, school, or society. His parents impose rigid restrictions that are against his nature. who may not get sympathetic treatment from his teachers. He may have academic problems.
He may not be able to pull on well with his classmates. a bright child is not at home in the company of mediocre. A rigid discipline, overcrowding at home and school, lack of activities in the school may create problems of adjustment. This tension can be resolved when the environment is made congenial.
3. Occupational problems
Adolescence is a time for making decisions for future vocations and careers. He faces the problem of choice of vocations and the problem of economic independence. He no longer wants to be a burden on his parents and strives for economic independence.
But he is ignorant of the world of occupations and careers. Therefore schools should set up guidance services in order to help adolescents to discover their interests, abilities, and aptitudes and also help them to make proper adjustments in their occupational assignments.
4. The problem of Moral values
The most important psychological need of an adolescent is his quest for moral values. Feelings about his sex are at the core of much of his behavior. Though physiologically he has reached sexual maturity, emotionally he has not yet attained the maturity of judgment.
This results in a problem of great magnitude — the problem of morality and self-control. The school and the home must recognize this problem and place it before the adolescent proper standards of conduct, that are realistic enough to be acceptable to his age mates.
5. Problem of self-esteem
The development of self is an important phase of adolescence. It is composed of many psychological states such as feelings, attitudes, impressions, habits, and dispositions.
The adolescent is eager to see, to touch, to hear, to reason, to discover, to know, and to comprehend. He is also eager to investigate the purpose and goal of life. who is motivated by his curiosity and wants to establish his selfhood.
He thinks only in terms of his own potentialities. At times also he thinks of himself as what he is not in reality. The adolescent gives the first preference to him in all sorts of activities and lives on purpose, hopes, and strivings.
Adolescent development and Education
Adolescence is the most important period of human life. A major part of a country’s population ranges between the ages of 13 to 21 years. The country’s success in various fields of life depends on the proper guidance of adolescents.
The schools and the teachers have to shoulder maximum responsibility for promoting maximum growth and development of the adolescents.
Teachers should have a thorough understanding of the general nature of growth and development so that they can formulate the objectives, frame the curricula, and devise the methods of instruction accordingly.
Special educational programs should be organized for different types of growth physical, mental, emotional, and social
