Abstract This paper describes three basic angles of the media's impact on adolescent self-perception. The paper illustrates the media's most positive portrayal of teenagers and its more customary negative angle. It provides real world examples of the state of adolescence in America. The paper explores how and why corporate America and the media affect the nation's children.
Table of Contents
I. Fear is in the TV: Media images of an adolescent world
II. Truth is in the Streets: The rest of the story
III. Autopsy Reports in the Profit Margins: What does Corporate America have to gain?
a. Media Stock in Violence
b. Drug Companies and the New Marketplace
c. Get Tough on Crime (it's easy on the approval ratings)
d. Selling Popularity
IV. I Don?t Want to Be Part of Your World: Self-definition and other underage options
a. Media Complications and Youth Reactions
b. Self-Definition and Viable Options
V. Summary
VI. Sources Used
From the Paper "I began work on this paper with every intention of sticking to traditional subjects. I planned to discuss media portrayal of women and beauty, the formation of high school "cool" through marketing and media pressure, and the legalities of advertising to teenagers. Along the way I expected to discuss such random issues as cartoon characters and smoking campaigns. However, once I actually started my research, an entirely different topic kept popping up over and over again: the negative media portrayal of teenagers and the wholesale selling of violence and mind-altering drugs.
"Multiple school shootings have passed in recent memory. Daily news reports continue to be filled with stories of adolescent murderers and children in adult prisons. The question then presented itself to my mind, how does all this negative media coverage affect the way teens view themselves, and the way in which they interact with the world? Are teens today really more violent, and if so, is that the fault of the entertainment media or some other cause? What is it like to be part of a subculture that takes the brunt of these media scandals? Is it all hype, and does the hype worsen the problem?
Increasingly my other research seemed to pale in comparison to these questions. One day when I was at the library, a boy walked by wearing a Marilyn Manson T-shirt that piqued my interest and made up my mind as to how I should approach this paper. It read: "Is adult entertainment killing our children, or is killing children entertaining our adults?" I set myself the task of answering that question, and further exploring how media messages on violence and group conformity might change the self-perception and self-identification of adolescents, with a focus on the events at Columbine.
There are three basic angles that I felt needed to be explored. First, I attempted to explain the media's most positive portrayal of teenagers and its more customary, negative angle. Then I contrasted these stereotypes with a few real-world truths about the state of adolescence in America. Finally, I tried to explore how and just as importantly, why, corporate America and the general media have affected our children."
This paper addresses adolescent substance abuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substance abuse
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 9 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper addresses adolescent substance abuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substance abuse habits in adolescence. These factors are embodied by the disease theory and the psychosocial theory of addiction, which are both explained in the essay.
Abstract This paper takes a look at the adolescent sexual and reproductive behavior in Africa and the increasing incidents of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. It also discusses the suffering caused by childhood marriage and immediate post pubertal childbearing in females as young as 10 years of age.
Contents
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Behavior in Africa
Early Childbearing in Africa
Health Risks for Adolescents with Sexual Activity and Childbearing
Social and Economic Risks of Early Childbearing
What Can be Done?
From the Paper "Contributing to both problems is the manner in which adolescent sexual activity in the region is changing. Aside from the fertility issue, Dijamba noted that most young women in Kinshasa, subject of a study by Dijamba, now engage in sporadic, nonsteady types of relationships, despite the fact that premarital chastity was still widely accepted as the norm, at least in Congo (Pillai & Barton, 1998). Dijamba noted that "exposure to mass media, formal education, delay in marriage, and other changes in social and economic environment may have reduced the role that traditional norms and values play on female socialization and union formation" (2003, p. 237+).
Dijamba affirmed the high rate of premarital sexual activity in developing counties is of concern because of the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). UNICEF (2002) provides the information that 5.2 million people acquire HIV each year, with more than half being young people between ages 15 and 25. In addition, a UNAIDS (2002) report noted that the situation is "more alarming in Africa, a continent that is home to 70% of the adults and 80% of the children living with HIV in the world today" (quoted by Kiragu and Zabin, 1998, p. 210+)."
Abstract This paper discusses contemporary adolescent stereotypes. It focuses on gender roles, gender identification and the association with stereotypes about weight and attractiveness. This paper refers to a study comparing US to European values among adolescents, and a study examining the effects of MTV videos on adolescents and their stereotypical belief systems.
From the Paper "In their attempts to push their belief in their own maturation and distinguish themselves from being a child, adolescents are caught in often not knowing what to do, who to trust, what to believe and/or how to act. As a result, many adopt stereotypical behaviors based on views they have heard expressed by other adults or may have seen or heard on TV. In this brief literature review, research is cited to link sex roles and gender stereotypes with stereotypical attitudes and beliefs about weight and body image."
Abstract This is the introductory portion of a research paper based on the hypothesis: "Poor family communication leads to or maintains adolescent depression." Literature is cited that corresponds to issues relating to adolescent depression and how familial issues, particularly maternal, have a strong influence on the depressive episodes, behavioral and developmental issues of adolescents.
From the Paper "Symptoms of depression strike upwards of 30% of all high school students (Ehrenberg, Cox & Koopman, 1990, Olsson & von Knorring, 1997a as cited by Olsson, Nordstrom, von Knorring & von Knorring, 1999). Roberts, Andrews, Lewinsohn & Hops (1990 as cited by Sheeber, Hops & Davis, 2001) tell us that the statistics on adolescent depression are underestimated as many teens demonstrate symptoms which are classified as below diagnostic thresholds. While depression is a problem relating to genetics, heredity, environment and the individual, in adolescence the problem is particularly painful for the victim/patient. Donnelly (1999) tells us that depression and associated symptoms of depression increase during the adolescent years. Olson et al. (1999) states that parents are not always aware of that the symptoms they are witnessing in their adolescent children are signs of depression."
Abstract This paper explores various factors that affect adolescent literacy. The author examines the impact of technology on adolescent literacy and the amount of research dedicated to the topic. The author further argues that research into the acquisition of literacy skills tends to focus on younger children, not teens. Statistics are cited that show low-teen literacy and competency. The author concludes with suggestions for strengthening adolescent literacy in the US.
From the Paper "In this context - of becoming aware of the sociocultural impact on literacy and of technological development and influence on literacy -, it becomes clear that students have different needs, and opportunities, and teachers should facilitate the learning of new skills. For example, the works of Gina Cervetti, Michael Pardales, and James Damico examine the difference between critical reading, or reading analytically, and critical literacy, which involves the stances (or "subjectivities") taken when readers examine a text within particular sociocultural frameworks (Grisham, D., 2001). Reading critically, involves not only answering the question "What does this text mean?" but also asking "How does it come to have a particular meaning (and not some other)?" Similarly, literacy is more than school literacy, Donna Alvermann (2001) asserts. One form of literacy (academic literacy) should not prevail over multiple other forms (e.g., computer, visual, graphic, and scientific literacies) and the idea has been criticized for ignoring the fact that different texts and social contexts (reading for whom, with what purpose) require different reading skills (Barton, Hamilton, & Ivanic, 2000; Gee, 1996; Street, 1995)."
Tags: literacy, education, adolescents, teens, high, school
Abstract The paper discusses Males' argument in "The Scapegoat Generation: America's War on Adolescents" that America's "delinquent class" of adolescents can be directly attributed to America's elderly, who take up the large public funding that America's youth needs and also uses the young in order to attain their level of comfort. The paper explains Males' contention that fundamentally the system we occupy is flawed because it is adult centric, with adults blaming the adolescents for society's growing problems. The paper calls into question the credibility of the author by showing how the book is biased and is merely opinion based rather than evidence based.
From the Paper "Mike Male's book, The Scapegoat Generation: America's War on Adolescents, is at the height of controversy over its purported theme that adolescents are our society's scapegoats. He argues that while adolescents are widely accused by many of drug abuse, cigarette addiction, sexual irresponsibility and an ever increasing crime rates, these allegations are in facts myths that have come from political constructions and negative media portrayals rather than the truth. These adult mediums attempt to blame adolescents for the problems endemic in American society rather than looking at themselves as the root cause of so much strife within our nation. His book is an account of America through the critical lenses of cause and effect rather than result oriented dissection. The questions it answers within are associated with the root causes of adolescent disorders."
Abstract This paper identifies some of the familial environmental factors at work that contribute to problematic behavior in adolescents. It also identifies some of the contradictions in the research findings that cite these environmental factors as the causes of the problematic behavior. Finally this paper attempts to clarify these research findings so that the causal roles of familial environmental factors in problematic adolescent behavior can be accurately assessed.
From the Paper "Television news in the United States continually reminds the public of troublesome adolescent behavior in contemporary American society. Family therapists, health care providers, social workers, and sociologists are among the professional groups concerned about this issue. Researchers and theorists offer a plethora of reasons exist to explain this phenomenon; however, relevant research findings frequently conflict with one another."
Abstract The paper focuses on the differences between preschool (preoperative) children and adolescents. The hypothesis developed and proven by a literature review was that preoperative children and adolescents are developing faster and facing more challenges as a result of rapid growth, based on social, technological and educational changes that are taking place. The paper focuses on the risk of a dramatic increase in clinical depression among preschool children and the equally dramatic increase in the rate of teen suicide.
From the Paper "While often lost in what they believe is pretend, preschool children often attempt to mirror the developmental qualities based on emotional level of functioning, interest in social skills, money, possessions, etc. of their older adolescent brothers and sisters. However, they are not psychologically equipped to handle such activity on a daily basis; there are additional stages of learning and development that are required. The adolescent on the other hand, more than anything else, attempts to mirror the qualities they see and strive for in the adult world."
This paper researches whether using males as interveners in at-risk intervention strategies for adolescent males is more beneficial that using females and suggests a two-tiered, gender-based intervention strategy.
Abstract This paper researches the finding that adolescent males are increasingly at-risk and that the consequences of leaving these boys without treatment range from academic problems all the way to suicide and mass-murder. Furthermore, much of these problems appear to be linked to the absence of father figures and other male role models in the lives of these boys. Therefore, this paper investigates whether using males as the interveners in at-risk intervention strategies is more beneficial than using females. The paper looks at gender differences in therapy, from the standpoint of the patient and the provider. The paper also investigates the differences between treating adults and treating children, and how a therapist can best approach an adolescent patient. In addition, the paper looks at existing intervention strategies, to determine whether gender has an impact on the success of those strategies. After reviewing the literature, the author suggests that a two-tiered, gender-based intervention strategy offers the best plan for success in at-risk interventions.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Background of Study
Problem Statement
Purpose Statement
Significance of Review
Research Design, Strategy, and Procedure
Literature Review
Findings and Discussion
Results
Analysis
Interpretation
Clinical Implications and Recommendations for Future Research
From the Paper "Initially, the author believed that the literature would be sufficient to provide a quantitative analysis of success rates, based on the gender of the therapist. However, the problem with defining therapeutic success has already been explained. In addition, there is another issue that prevents such a quantitative analysis; there is such a wide-variety of interventions, that it is almost impossible to quantitatively compare them. Furthermore, some of the available literature looks at different intervention methods, and fails to address the gender of the service providers involved. Therefore, this study takes a qualitative approach to gender differences and intervention success. The study looks at what works, when it works, who it works with, why it works, and how it could work better.
"In order to understand the relationship between gender and therapeutic success, this study looks at several related issues. First, the study investigates males and their role as clients in therapy. The role of the client in therapy is largely ignored in a research context, but may be the single most important variable when attempting to predict the success or failure of a therapeutic intervention. Therefore, this study looks at the male client and his approach to therapy."
Abstract This paper takes a look at how the media influences the way adolescents view the ideal body image. The author examines the type of stereotypes that the media encourages and the way that this effects society.
From the Paper "Adolescence is a time for learning and growth. This time can be easier to handle by some than others. For some it can be a revelation of new experiences and ideas, while adolescence can also be a difficult, stressful time for those trying to discover themselves. This can affect themselves as well as those around them. During this time, adolescents are likely to identify with those around them, their peers. Identifying with peers can help adolescents along by giving them the opportunity to see how others deal with problems similar to their own and by offering their own advice to those who need it. Along with this, adolescents are liable to worry about their body image, and may want to conform to those who have achieved the "desired" image. This image may be thin, muscular, or just average. Nevertheless, some adolescents will go too far to achieve this image, usually this is done by adolescent females who wish to become thin. This can be attributed to media's portrayal of women. The majority of women in ads, television and movies are thin and are seen as attractive because of this. Adolescent girls will see these women and may want their image as their own, and some will go to any lengths to acquire this. This in turn could lead to the idea that during this process of change and growing up, adolescents are often concerned about their physical image, which is influenced by the media."
Abstract This paper describes the influence of stability and continuity of parental behavior in adolescent relationships by focusing on depressive children.
Abstract The paper examines typical issues faced by adolescents. Then the paper presents strategies counselors use to deal with these issues. The issues discussed include: peer pressure, substance use and abuse, family relationships, stress, sexual maturation, and school and academic issues.
From the Paper "Burns has noted that during the course of even the most normal adolescent period of development, many young people and their families will encounter difficult spots which can be helped by a..."
Abstract This paper presents a definition of drug and school substance abuse and explains that it is the nation's number one health problem. The paper discusses adolescent substance abuse, including its incidence and treatment measures as well as risk factors involved.
A review of the article "Implications of Racial and Gender Differences in Patterns of Adolescent Risk Behavior for HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases" by Bauer, Cho, Hallfors, Halpern, Iritani and Waller.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, 2005, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper analyzes a scholarly research study regarding HIV, STDs and American adolescents. The points attended to are: the community and community health issue described by the article, the reason for selecting this community and issue, description of the issue, background factors which contribute to the issue, local data available, possible community health nursing interventions and teaching strategies and any links to Orem's nursing model that might better describe or remedy this problem.
From the Paper "In their scholarly research study, "Implications of racial and gender differences in patterns of adolescent risk behavior for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases," authors Bauer, Cho, Hallfors, Halpern, Iritani, and Waller set out to examine the prevalence, intensity, scope, and causes of HIV-contraction and spread, as well as that of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), among the high-risk adolescent demographic. This cross-section of today's society is chosen for the study, as their risk factors are many and dangerous, and as the authors note: "few studies have systematically investigated risk behavior patterns by subgroup, particularly with nationally representative data" (Bauer et al., 2004, p. 239). This is the drive and rationale for selecting to perform this study, as the children are our future and research and care needs to be undertaken in order for safer and healthier choices to be made by and for them."
