Abstract This paper examines how earlyadolescents ? boys and girls aged 11 to 14 or 15 ? have been described as intensely curious, observant and imitative, manipulative, expressive and generally un-inhibited and how these natural qualities open them to a number of risks, such as drinking, smoking, drugs, sex, depression, and other mental and psychological disorders. It examines the increase in teen pregnancies and venereal disease and the preventative measures being taken to educate children as early as possible. It discusses the emotional and psychological traumas of adolescents going through puberty and the problems of depression that can result.
From the Paper "Because teen pregnancies are common among the poor, they or their families seek inexpensive or unsafe delivery systems or abortions. In some Latin American countries, it was reported that more than a third of maternal deaths directly resulted from unsafe abortions. Childbirth by young teen mothers is also often complicated and in some cases, leads to the death of either the infant or the mother or both. Or the infant has low birth weight or a high susceptibility to sickness and just dies before it reaches a year. "
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 The article "The Vicissitudes of Autonomy in EarlyAdolescence" (1986, by Laurence Steinberg and Susan B. Silverberg, 'Child Development') looks at young adolescents and the development of autonomy between childhood and adolescence. The paper shows that the researchers recognized that autonomy may be an umbrella term and actually consist of several different types. The paper examines how the researchers divided developing autonomy into three types: emotional, freedom from peer pressure and personal feelings of self-reliance.
From the Paper "The researchers' findings supported their hypothesis. They found that the participants did not move simply from non-autonomous to autonomous on one continuum. Rather, as the youth moved emotionally away from parents, they transferred that emotional dependence to their peer group. This left them more susceptible to peer pressure. There were age variants: fifth graders were less susceptible to peer pressure, and so were ninth-graders. Fifth graders were more able to resist peer pressure when it involved poor choices than older students; eighth graders were the most susceptible. At all levels, girls were more autonomous than boys."
Abstract This paper discusses the factor that affect adolescent literacy in the United States. Firstly, it is known that young learners receive much of their early literacy training from their families prior to entering the school system. It explains that this early education may not often correspond to a traditional curriculum, but may be perfectly acceptable within the cultural aspects of the child's community. Furthermore, the child's exposure to literature previous to entering school may be non-existent.
From the Paper "Adolescent literacy in the United States is affected by many factors. First, it is known that young learners receive much of their early literacy training from their families prior to entering the school system. This early education may not often correspond to a traditional curriculum, but may be perfectly acceptable within the cultural aspects of the child's community. Furthermore, the child's exposure to literature previous to entering school may be non-existent. In either case it is evident that all children arrive at the door of education with varying backgrounds in literature, and that educators must be responsible for identifying and embracing these differences in order to enhance the student's literacy levels throughout his or her educational career. Secondly, many children in the country today exist in impoverished and homeless states. Their abilities to develop literacy strengths are not absent, yet, how these adolescents will ..."
This paper discusses depression in adolescents, looking at different types of depressions, what causes them, and what can be done to help those who are suffering.
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 7 sources, 2001, $ 50.95
Abstract This paper looks at depression, and how this serious condition that affects a large number of adolescents. The author defines the symptoms, how adults need to recognize the warning signs, what the contributing factors are, and the various treatments available. The paper also discusses the several types of depression that affect young adults, and the importance of family and peer support.
From the Paper "Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of sleep, loss of appetite, headaches, along with many others. There are also various types of depression. In the last few decades there has been a rise in depression, especially in teenagers. The National Mental Health Association states that depression effects one in eight adolescents in the United States, Roy , 1999. Early detection is the key in helping people with depression. Symptoms of depression can include a drastic change in personality, persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability, agitation, withdrawal and isolation from friends and activities, changes in eating and sleeping habits, indecision, lack of concentration, forgetfulness, low self-esteem, guilt, physical complaints like headaches and stomachaches, low enthusiasm, low energy, low motivation, drug or alcohol abuse, and thoughts of suicide."
Abstract This paper presents a journal article critique of a 2002 research study that examines same-sex peer relations and romantic relationships during earlyadolescence, and their impact on emotional, behavioral, and academic adjustment.
From the Paper "Brendgen et al offers a report of a quantitative study on early adolescents in order to determine the impact of same-sex peer relations and romantic relationships during early adolescence on emotional behavioral and academic adjustment. Using Sullivan's theory of social development the authors attempt to corroborate Sullivan's claim that..."
Abstract In human development, the early adulthood stage is the sixth stage of the period of development of humans. This paper looks at a few theorists and their concepts of the type of development that occurs in this stage of life. The writer concludes that in this stage, an individual learns to recognize alternative moral courses and learns to develop a personal moral code.
From the Paper "Under the early adulthood stage, cognitive development of early adults has already reached its formal operational stage, according to Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development. Under the formal operational stage, the operational thoughts of humans are more ?abstract, idealistic, and logical,? and adults are no longer confined to concrete thoughts, which are the operational thoughts common among children (Santrock 2000 335). Aside from thinking abstractly, early adulthood stage brings about among humans the ability to solve problems and test solutions, which are the characteristics of hypothetical-deductive reasoning. Piaget formally defines hypothetical-deductive reasoning as "the ability to develop hypotheses, or best hunches, about ways to solve problems" (Santrock 2000 335). Piaget notes that the operational thoughts of adults in this stage is no different from adolescents? operational thoughts, but adults in the early adulthood stage have more methods and ways in approaching and solving the problems presented to them or they encounter."
Tags: morality, growth, personality, adolescence, character
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 In this article, the writer discusses the factors that influence adolescent perception. The writer looks at the main influences upon adolescent perception. The writer continues that these perceptions include parents, siblings, peers and the mass media. The writer examines how adolescents can bring their perceptual distortions closer to reality.
From the Paper "Because adolescence is a time of rapid growth and change in the human developmental process, at this time in their lives adolescents are particularly susceptible to outside influences upon their behavior and perceptions of their lives. The main influences upon the perceptions of adolescents are generally considered to be their parents, siblings, peer groups and mass media. Here, we will not only examine how these particular influences can alter the perceptions and behaviors of adolescents, but also examine how adolescents can bring their perceptual distortions closer to ... "
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."
