Adolescent Influences

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the influences in the lives of adolescents that have a direct impact on how they behave, how they see the world and how they interact within their home, school and community environments. It goes on to discuss which influences have the most dramatic effect on adolescents and discusses possible reasons why this is so. The paper analyzes various articles that examine this subject.

Table of Contents:
Violent Video games
Peer Group Influences (Aggressive Behaviors)
Peer Group Influences (Gifted Students)
Peer Group Influences (Smoking)
The Timing Of Puberty (As An Influence)
Genetic & Environmental Influences
Parenting Influences (On Adolescent Alcohol Use And Impulsive Behaviors)
Family Influences On Detained Adolescents (With Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
Maternal Depression May Produce Adolescent Behavior Problems
Parent-Child Conflict Influences Adolescent Behavior (In Negative Ways)
Risky Parental Behavior (And Adolescent Sexual Activity)
Family Planning Clinics And Adolescents
Boys' Beliefs About Delinquent Behavior
Heterosexual Risk Behavior (Among Urban Adolescents)
Peer Pressure To Be Thin Leads To Suicide
The Influence Of The Internet On Adolescents

From the Paper:

"The article continues, indicating that "high levels of conflict and low emotional attachment between parents and children have been associated" with an indifference on the part of adolescents for the "emotional well being of others." What is negative in the home is then transferred to others in school and the community, who often don't understand the origins of the bad behavior. During the developmental period, it is no secret that adolescents spend more time with their peers than their parents. Hence, the acceptability of delinquency becomes easy for adolescents because there is ample time for a process called "deviancy training," Pardini explains. Discussions about rule-breaking are held on a "regular basis," and the validity of these peer conversations is sealed through "shared laughter." The deviancy training is the same thing as what used to be called "bull sessions." Meantime, the beliefs that are learned during deviancy training become more and more at odds with family and parental values."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American School Board Journal. (2007). Violent video games poison the teenage brain: Study. National School Boards Association.
• Crosby, Richard; Voisin, Dexter; Salazar, Laura F.; DiClement, Ralph J.; Yarber, William L.; & Caliendo, Angela M. (2006). Family Influences and biologically Confirmed Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Detained Adolescents. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 76(3), 389-394.
• Decker, Rod. (2007). Do Violent Video Games Make Kids Violent People? KUTV. Retrieved 25 Jan. 2007 from http://kutv.com.
• Dorn, Lorah D.; Susman, Elizabeth J.; & Ponirakis, Angelo. (2003). Pubertal Timing and Adolescent Adjustment and Behavior: Conclusions Vary by Rater. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 32(3), 157-167.
• Espelage, Dorothy L.; Holt, Melissa K.; & Henkel, Rachael R. (2003). Examination of Peer- Group Contextual Effects on Aggression during Early Adolescence. Child Development, 74(1), 205-220.

More papers on Adolescent Influences:

• Research Paper # 128471 : "Child and Adolescent Psychology"
• Essay # 90431 : "Adolescent Depression"
• Essay # 74216 : "Adolescent Perception"

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