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IN modern world the concept of "teenager" causes an association of complexity, communication difficulties, incomprehensibility. It is difficult for adults to understand that, being in their youth, moving from childhood to adulthood (a life period of 13-15 years), a teenager feels like he has already grown up, in fact remaining a child. To remain in this difficult period for the child as his confidant is a great success, although it is incredibly difficult. To do this, you need to know about those features that appear at this stage of life and form his personality. The main action of the immediate environment (parents and friends of the older generation) is help and assistance, in other words, be attentive to him and communicate “in his language”. At this time, the young man is in a difficult period of his life. He is forming his views and his opinion on any issue and concept.
It is difficult for the surrounding people with a teenager because it is unbearably difficult for him with himself. He's not sure of anything. He is looking for his goal in life, focusing only on his opinion.
Stages of growing up
In this time period of his life, a young person begins to realize and motivate his own behavior in a new way. It is smart to lead them.
Psychologists often draw the attention of parents of children in their adolescence to this conditional transitional fragment (from 14 to 16 years old) in connection with the ongoing changes in them, both physiological and mental.
Because exactly this period, called the stage of personal and professional self-determination, is the most difficult in life for a growing teenager - a boy or girl.
emotional sphere teenagers and motivation At this time, the child is forming his individual personal position on all issues and situations. It often does not agree with the views and opinions on the same situation in adults, including parents, which leads to a conflict, the result of which may be the loss of mutual understanding and contact relations between them.
Manifestations of psychological neoplasms in adolescents 14-16 years old
In order to overcome this most difficult period of life less painfully for the family, it is necessary to understand the psychological neoplasms that occur in middle adolescence.
Depending on the development (maturation) of the child's personality, neoplasms in adolescents can appear from the age of 13 and last up to 15.
There are several such innovations.
Problems in communicating with peers in adolescents are increasing dramatically Switching your constant communication from teachers and parents to friends - classmates and peers, a little older, but who are an authority for a particular teenager. At this time, he develops social interaction skills, that is, he learns to obey someone else's opinion, but at the same time defending his rights. The consequence of this is the manifestation of two contradictions - belonging to a group of peers and the desire for isolation, that is, the presence of one's own individual personal space.
Unwillingness to listen to parents and teachers Changes in the cognitive sphere of a teenager. Development framework 13 -15 years
The term "cognitive sphere" refers to the union of all human cognitive processes. Such as - attention and memory, intelligence and the development of logical and verbal-figurative thinking. In a special way there is an accession and development of creative abilities.
The manifestation of a phantom sense of adulthood
While still essentially a child, a teenager (often his age is 13-5 years old) feels and decides that he has already grown up. He develops and manifests with increasing frequency the desire to become independent from the parental family. He is the birth of the first thought about the future profession. He strives to become "necessary", that is, useful for society and the family. And, of course, the emergence of close interest in the opposite sex.
Phantom adulthood in adolescents is manifested by prohibited actions Possible occurrence of school maladaptation
The reason for it is ambiguous, usually complex, relationships with teachers or classmates.
Skills for the formation of communication and one's own individual personal position in a teenager
With the onset of an acute adolescence, especially the middle stage, in the life of a person 14-16 years old, there is a reorientation from intra-family communication between the parental family and the child to external communication - friends, peers - classmates and older adolescents who are authorities.
Most often, at the age of 14, an individual chooses a guide for himself - an ideal that becomes a life example and a confidant for him. Such communication is the main one at this age, as it is the main information channel. In addition, it is a specific type of emotional contact that develops in a teenager a sense of solidarity, self-esteem, emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships.
Under the influence of an idol, teenagers can change a lot As a result of such contact, in order to be like his idol, the 14th teenager can change the appearance and style of communication with the people around him habitually.
There is a change in tastes, an interest in energy and alcoholic beverages and smoking, since it is these qualities that he associates with adulthood.
Changes in the cognitive sphere of a teenager
During adolescence, especially at its middle stage, there is an improvement in intellectual processes and thinking, which is the basis for the formation of personality.
An activity approach is being implemented in the growing up of a young person, under the influence of a comprehensive school education, part of which is the development of elements of the cognitive sphere of the personality, that is, the functions of the psyche of a teenager.
Adolescent absent-mindedness leads to learning problems Such a process as perception, at this age, acquires a selective character, with the possibility of analytical and critical conclusions.
- Attention, during this period, acquires the possibility of clear switching and distribution. Its parameters are also improving and developing: the volume increases and stability is strengthened. It becomes arbitrary and controlled by the adolescent himself. This indicates the emergence and manifestation of selective attention.
- Memory also develops. It undergoes the same changes as attention - it acquires a completely meaningful character in terms of memorization and comprehension.
- In parallel with the above functions of the psyche of a teenager in the average period of growing up 14-16 years old, independent thinking develops. That allows the child to move and operate with individual conclusions.
Psychological protection is expressed in violations of behavior Phantom sense of adulthood
Professional psychologists note that against the background of the developing cognitive sphere of personality, a teenager has a desire to "be like an adult." That is, he has a need to bear responsibility for a certain part (zone) of independently performed work.
At the same time, interest in people of the opposite sex awakens. The first platonic relationship arises between a boy and a girl, most often their age is 13-15 years. The first feeling of love appears. There is a desire to do something pleasant for the person you like, to show constant concern for him.
At this age, teenagers experience first love. Parents should take into account that excessive interference in such a feeling and in this relationship can lead to a deterioration in mutual understanding between them and their child. As a result, cause alienation and isolation in him. Parents are advised not to interfere with the development of these relationships, but not to encourage them.
In the same period comes the desire to independently earn the first money. The motivation is the desire to become financially independent, so as not to once again beg for funds for their personal needs from their parents and not give them an account of where and how they were spent. It can also include motivation for socially useful activities, as a result, encouragement from authority and adolescent peers.
In adolescence, many try to earn their first money. The emergence of school maladaptation
A family where there is a teenager aged 14-16 quite often faces such a manifestation as school maladjustment, that is, the inability to feel comfortable in a peer group.
The reason for the emergence of such a situation in the life of a child may be a violation of relations (conflict) with teachers, classmates or older students, as a result of the unwillingness of a teenager to obey their requirements and tasks.
School maladjustment - the main signs Outwardly, school maladjustment is expressed in resistance and even a complete refusal to attend classes. The child stops doing homework. There is a complete disruption in his educational activities. He tries to communicate less often with his family, trying to solve the problem on his own, which only exacerbates it.
Parents should pay attention to the problem of their child (13-16 years old), through the above signals and try to help him as soon as possible, after consulting with a psychologist, without showing him the child.
You can also involve a school psychologist in the problem by asking him to monitor the behavior and reactions of a teenager. Based on the results of his observations, the specialist can offer a program of assistance in this particular case.
Parents of teenagers need to understand and accept that during this period the personality of a teenager is undergoing changes, there is a struggle between childhood and adulthood, self-awareness as a person. It is at this time that teenagers really need the help of caring and loving parents who will help them enter adulthood.
The key question that a child asks himself at this age is “Who am I?”. This period is called the formation of the "I - concept", which will accompany the child throughout his life.
Physical development of the child
In adolescence, the formation of the skeleton, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular systems continues.
During this period, it is necessary to pay special attention to the prevention of various kinds of curvature in connection with the development of the skeletal system of the body: it becomes stronger than at a younger age, but the ossification of the spine, chest, pelvis and limbs has not yet ended. Especially harmful is the wrong posture when a teenager is sitting at a table: pulmonary ventilation is difficult, the supply of oxygen to the brain decreases, and a curvature of the spine is fixed.
It should be noted that if at this age special attention is not paid to the development of dexterity, plasticity and beauty of movements, then in the subsequent period it is usually more difficult to master them, and the awkwardness and angularity of movements inherent in a teenager can persist for life.
The nervous system of a teenager is still in the formative stage, and is relatively imperfect. Therefore, during this period, it is so important to protect the teenager from sudden overwork, to regulate the load on his fragile nervous system.
In addition, during puberty, the production of sex hormones in the body of adolescents begins, which leads to significant mood swings.
intellectual development
A teenager at the age of 14–16 is already an intellectually formed person who has his own opinion on various issues. Adolescents are quite capable of reasoning, expressing their thoughts, arguing them. More and more time in their lives begins to take serious matters, less and less time is devoted to recreation and entertainment. Logical memory begins to develop actively. Due to the emergence of new school subjects in the school, the amount of information that a teenager must remember is significantly increasing.
Psychological development
Along with mental changes caused exclusively by hormonal influences, adolescents also experience deep psychological, personal changes that occur unevenly: both childish traits and stereotypes of behavior and adults are simultaneously present in a teenager. A teenager rejects children's stereotypes of behavior, but does not yet have adult clichés. Since the need for recognition of one's own adulthood is maximum during adolescence, and the social situation, by and large, does not change, this can cause numerous conflicts with parents and teachers.
During this period, psychologists recommend talking more with your child, remembering that you are no longer a child, but an adult who is looking for his own path. In a conversation with him, do not use categorical forms, do not show his intellectual immaturity, do not be overly intrusive.
8 rules of behavior with a teenager aged 14-16
1. Don't impose your point of view
In older adolescence, the child develops his own taste in clothes, in music, in cinema and other manifestations of art. Naturally, the preferences of the child may not coincide with the preferences of the parents.
This is not a reason to try to dissuade a teenager and deny his choice. It is best to listen and try to understand the interests of a growing person. This will only add trust to your relationship with him.
2. Be willing to accept rejection of certain family activities.
The adolescent spirit is the spirit of denial. Hormones spur a teenager to go against everything. And if three years ago the child loved family trips with his younger sister, now he can refuse them.
He no longer fears the prospect of being alone at home. At the same time, refusing at the beginning to participate in a holiday or some other family event, a teenager can quickly change his mind. This happens more often if parents take the rejection calmly and do not try to persuade the child.
Listen and try to understand the interests of a growing person
3. Give your teen some space
It is very important for a teenager to know that he has his own space. A place where he can put personal things, books that no one will move or rearrange.
Learn to knock when entering a teenager's room. Even if you've never done it before. Keeping a growing child will help to avoid conflict situations.
4. Set a Good Example
Bad habits of parents are instantly reflected in children. If mom or dad allows himself to drink alcohol or smoke with a teenager, he believes that he can afford the same. The authority of the parent who is addicted is undermined.
The same can be said about moral qualities. If parents lie to relatives and colleagues, commit unseemly acts, then the teenager will either behave in the same way or completely distance himself from his parents.
5. Help shape your own worldview
Parents should encourage individual thinking of a teenager. If the child takes sides in a peer conflict, try to build a dialogue with him. “Do you really think that your friend is right?”, “What would you do?”.
In any questions, ask him to express his opinion so that he feels like a full member of the family, on which the choice of a place for a vacation or celebration of an anniversary depends.
An open censure of the people in whose circle the teenager revolves will either entail a protest on his part, or the fact of communicating with "undesirable" friends will be hidden from the parents. The only right decision is to let the child see for himself the negative qualities of certain peers. And, if this happens, support the teenager, perhaps by talking about a similar example from your life.
7. Let your teen take responsibility for their mistakes.
Even those parents who give the child enough freedom tend to take responsibility for his unseemly or wrong actions. Instead, let your teen deal with problems on their own. If he accidentally broke a friend's phone, he must earn money for repairs. If he received a bad mark in a quarter, he himself must agree with the teacher on how to correct it.
If a child accidentally breaks a friend's phone, he must earn money for repairs himself
A teenager does not control his mood. Hormones do it instead. To be offended or to swear at him is useless and not pedagogical. In addition, it may affect his interpersonal relationships in the future.
Therefore, it is best to explain to the child what caused his emotions and teach him to express anger calmly, with the help. And restrain yourself. In the end, the transitional age tends to end.
Elena Kononova
It is not easy for young people at the age of 16 to cope with the identification of their own personality and find their place in life. Adjusting to the world around you can be very painful, but it is an integral part of growing up and must be experienced. How a teenager behaves at the age of 16 depends on how he survived the crisis periods of 13-14 years. Successfully overcoming the middle period of adolescence crisis allows you to survive the test of sixteen years and the next seventeen.
For teenagers, 16 years is not just a difficult age, but a time to manifest themselves in the world as an independent person. Young people strive to put their knowledge into practice, it is natural that they want to gain some financial independence and become independent. Parents need to realize that their child is almost an adult and has the right to self-expression.
The inner world of a young man acquires depth, an interest in philosophical and spiritual issues, the problem of life and death is manifested.
If the personality of a teenager develops in the right direction, he tries to take care of loved ones, to provide patronage. positive trait character is the responsibility for their actions and the desire for self-improvement. In order for development to go in this direction, parents should make a lot of efforts to raise children at an earlier age.
Emotionality in this age period becomes more restrained, the tendency to impulsive actions and aggression decreases. It becomes easier for parents to establish mutual understanding and contact with their child. This advantage must be taken advantage of.
Behavioral problems in boys aged 16
At the age of 16, the problems of a teenager boy are that the desire for independence and independence often contradicts the parents' ideas about the child's behavior. There is no guy who, at the age of 16, would not like to have his own pocket money, giving a certain level freedom. Another thing is that boys, in whom they have brought up a sense of responsibility and independence, strive to earn money themselves, and infantile young men will beg for them from their parents.
The mother of a 16-year-old son should accept the fact of growing up, giving him a range of freedom, while not forgetting about duties. Numerous prohibitions will lead to the fact that the guy can become a weak-willed person or show disobedience in an open form with aggression. In this case, even if you do everything right, you can get the opposite result. Boys at this age are stubborn, persistent in achieving their goals. To figure out how to raise a boy, you should master the basics of the psychology of adolescence and bring parental wisdom to the rescue.
Guys who have turned 16 attach particular importance to relationships with the surrounding sex, so mom should take care of visiting sports sections. Top boys feel much more confident in communicating with girls and do not suffer from an inferiority complex. A teenager should look slim, fit and athletic to achieve inner harmony.
It is very important for a mother to communicate correctly with a teenager who considers himself an adult guy, since the laid foundations of male behavior will help her son to fully express himself in the future.
Problems of behavior of girls in adolescence
The upbringing of a daughter provides for the development in her of tact, morality and a sense of responsibility for her own destiny. Parents need to remember that the formation of the female hormonal background and the growth of the skeleton ends in a girl at this age.
The peculiarity of physiological processes causes interest in love and relationships with young men. Mom will have to talk with her daughter on the topic of gender relations, otherwise she will draw information from other sources. The girl should be warned about the consequences of the early onset of sexual activity, the mother in this matter can become a better adviser than her friends.
How to properly educate a girl, so as not to lose her trust and avoid problems with excessive freedom, the parent should decide, taking into account the characteristics of the character and type of personality of the daughter. Trusting relationships enable the girl to develop harmoniously and not receive cruel life lessons.
Rules for communicating with a teenager 16 years old
Advice to parents about education allows you to take into account the psychology of a teenager and get around the sharp corners that are fraught with the relationship of fathers and children at the age of sixteen.
Listen more than talk
Reality shows the disappointing fact of the decline in the authority of parents at this age. Reading lectures and criticizing behavior will lead to inevitable conflicts and distrust. A parent needs to learn to listen to his child, who is full of ideas and opinions about the world around him. Having received interested listeners in the person of dad and mom, a teenager will sooner or later listen to their advice or even ask them.
Trust and freedom along with the control of friends and hobbies
The child should be given the opportunity to choose his friends, but at the same time he should be protected from the danger of falling under adverse influence. The desire for independence sometimes leads to the desire to try substances that pose a direct threat to health and life. The direct duty of parents is to warn against fatal deeds.
Support hobbies and develop interests
A young man, busy with interests and hobbies, spends much less time on the street in a dubious company. Parents should not impose their opinion on hobbies on a teenager, as it may contradict the natural inclinations and talents of a son or daughter.
Visiting circles and sections contributes to the harmonious development of the personality and does not allow spending significant time at the computer.
Teach to learn
Young men and women should be taught that in order to succeed in life, they must constantly learn. This process should become an integral part of personal growth. Teenagers need to learn that the important thing in learning is consistency and repetition.
Allow mistakes and correct mistakes
Life is a complex process that involves making mistakes. Nobody can avoid them. Wisdom consists in taking the lessons of the past and turning it into your own. personal experience. Proper awareness of the past will allow you not to step on the same rake in the future.
Convince: parents and the house will always understand and forgive
Teenagers should be aware that parental home for a child, this is the safest place in the world. Parents should instill in the child a sense of security, such a person will be free from complexes and fears. A teenager should know that life's difficulties and problems can be solved with the help of kind and wise mentors.
The word "teenager" has long been associated in our society with rebellion, aggression and misunderstanding. At this age, any person is really going through a crisis. Everything changes - the body, and the worldview, and perception. What is it - the psychology of a teenager? What should others know, and even the youngest creature? Let's figure it out together.
Reaching adolescence, young people begin to realize themselves and this world in a new way, their own behavior is based on other motives. It is difficult for the surrounding people with a teenager and it is unbearably difficult for him with himself. During this period, he is not sure of anything and is diligently looking for his goal. Adolescence is characterized by such psychological features:
- I am a concept. A teenager is actively developing ideas about himself. At first, these representations are highly variable. Over time, self-perception becomes more organized and detailed.
- Self-esteem. During this period, self-esteem is quite critical. It is accompanied by excessive shyness and vulnerability.
- Family relationships. Conflicts often break out in communication with parents. The words of parents for a teenager are significant, but complex and contradictory. He tries in every possible way to separate his "I" from the previously accepted "We".
- Relationships with peers. Communication with a circle of peers comes to the fore; these contacts occupy more than 50% of all young people's time. It is important for them to be accepted, they strive to get into the desired circles, constantly compare themselves with friends and want to surpass them.
- Contacts with the opposite sex. Adolescence is characterized by an increased interest in the opposite sex. Passed failures are hard to experience, accompanied by depression.
Physiology
The behavior of a teenager is largely influenced by his physiological changes. The first changes are observed already in 7-10 years. The body begins to prepare for future intensive transformations. Limbs actively grow, the maturity of motor functions is formed, which begins to improve over time. The ability to concentrate attention increases, logic and memory develop, speech improves, the sphere of emotions is formed. There is a final change of milk teeth to permanent ones. 
The question of puberty deserves special attention. Teenagers for the first time are faced with various physiological processes that begin to take place in their body. Sometimes, it is difficult for them to come to terms with a new self. There is a difficult period of adaptation, addiction and understanding. In girls, menstruation begins and the mammary glands are actively formed. It is necessary to wear a bra, and this is so unusual and uncomfortable. There is a first acquaintance with personal hygiene products, which cause additional discomfort. Add to this the fears and fears that someone will see or learn about the gasket. It becomes clear why the girls are so naughty and do not even want to leave the house. In boys, nocturnal emissions begin - ejections of sperm. There is also a deformation of the voice, which also causes its own embarrassment. Both sexes can acne because of which there are excessive worries about appearance. 
The Importance of Age
Since puberty (puberty) spans several years, we will consider each age year in more detail. The psychology of a 12-year-old teenager and the psychology of a 16-year-old teenager are very different.
- 12 years old. The period of the first significant internal and external changes. Parents of 12-year-olds should be more attentive and tolerant of all the nuances of the behavior of their children. Close attention to their appearance begins, a capricious choice of clothes. Girls try to experiment with cosmetics. All these interests must be treated with understanding, listen to the child, if possible, go to a meeting, tolerantly and gently explain the reasons for your disagreement. Also be prepared for the fact that the child becomes very sensitive to the opinions of others.
- 13 years old. The so-called teenage dawn. Actively changing hormonal background which is reflected in the mood. There is an unbridled desire to defend their opinions and their desires. It is worth supporting these aspirations for independence, which in the future will help to more smoothly transition into adulthood. Parents need to be wise and avoid pressure on the child. Also, not infrequently at the age of 13 there is an increased sexual attraction. There is no need to be scared if a teenager is actively interested in the topic of sex. Satisfy, if possible, his interest.
- 14 years old. In this period, adolescent psychology is characterized by awareness of oneself as a person. It seems to adults that the child does everything in defiance on purpose, but this is not so. A teenager does not set himself the goal of angering a parent, he simply does not understand what is really important to him. For him, the main thing is to stand out and show that he is not like everyone else. Adults need to understand that the child does not intentionally do this, these are the features of his age.
- 15 years. Communication with peers comes to the forefront. A teenager is driven by a great desire to be accepted in his circle. There are many sensitive topics and exciting issues that a teenager can not always talk about with his parents. If adults notice the changes taking place in time and respect the child’s aspirations for contacts with peers, then problematic moments in education will be kept to a minimum. The teenager will listen to his parents and willingly go further to compromise.
- 16 years. Treasured path to adulthood. At this age, relationships with the opposite sex become the main ones. Many teenagers have their first sexual experience, which is not always successful. This entails its own frustration and depression. Parents should show maximum understanding and support. By the age of 16, it is necessary to fully devote the child to the topic of sex, to let him understand how responsible this is and what consequences it can lead to. Along with this, the teenager begins to be interested in philosophy. His worldview changes markedly. 16 years is the peak of emotional development. A teenager has many desires and faith, he is capable of much. All plans seem rosy and affordable.
Adolescence crisis
The psychology of a teenager is vast and multifaceted. There is a certain crisis of this age. The relationship with other people is changing dramatically, there are increased demands on oneself and adults, a rebellion is sharply manifested against the attitude towards him as to little child. Therefore, behavior becomes characterized by such features as uncontrollability, rudeness, ignoring the words of adults, isolation in oneself. The personality of a teenager is influenced by external and internal factors.
External factors- this is the continuing control of adults, guardianship, which seem excessive to a teenager. He wants to be free from annoying worries and make decisions on his own. The child finds himself in a difficult situation - he really has become more mature, but his behavioral traits are still childish. Therefore, it is difficult for adults to perceive a teenager as an equal. But parents should strive to change their attitude towards the grown child. This will help create a friendly and trusting atmosphere. Let your son or daughter know that you are always there when needed. 
TO internal factors include changes in the physiology and psychology of a teenager. There is an increased desire for personal improvement, the child must definitely assert himself and express himself. At the same time, the demands on oneself are growing, there are excessive dissatisfaction with oneself, accusations of one's own insolvency. It is difficult for a teenager to cope with internal tension, he is prone to conflicts and aggressive outbursts.
Along with this, behavioral changes are acutely manifested. A teenager wants to experience a lot, risk-taking tendencies appear. He is drawn to what used to be forbidden. It was during this period that the first attempts to smoke and drink alcohol take place. Mental status also changes and spiritual growth occurs. Often there is a loss of identity with oneself. Early self-image does not match today's image. This inconsistency can lead to doubts, fears, and depressing thoughts.
Each of us has gone through adolescence. For some it was smooth, for others not so much. In any case, the teenager must be treated very carefully and tolerantly. One has only to think about how hard it is for them to put up with all the changes that are taking place. Then comes the understanding of their sometimes inadequate behavior.
ADOLESCENT AGE (FROM 10-11 TO 14-15 YEARS)
Social situation of development
The social situation of human development at this age is a transition from childhood to independent and responsible adulthood. In other words, adolescence occupies an intermediate position between childhood and adulthood. There are changes at the physiological level, relationships with adults and peers are built in a different way, the level of cognitive interests, intelligence and abilities undergo changes. Spiritual and physical life moves from home to the outside world, relationships with peers are built on a more serious level. Teenagers engage in joint activities, discuss vital topics, and games are a thing of the past.
At the beginning of adolescence, there is a desire to be like the elders, in psychology it is called a sense of adulthood. Children want to be treated like adults. Their desire, on the one hand, is justified, because in some ways parents really begin to treat them differently, they allow them to do what was not allowed before. For example, now teenagers can watch feature films, access to which was previously prohibited, take longer walks, parents begin to listen to the child when solving everyday problems, etc. But, on the other hand, a teenager does not fully meet the requirements for an adult, he has not yet developed in himself such qualities as independence, responsibility, a serious attitude to his duties. Therefore, it is still impossible to treat him the way he wants.
Another very important point is that, although a teenager continues to live in a family, study at the same school and is surrounded by the same peers, there are shifts in the scale of his values and accents related to family, school, and peers are placed in a different way. The reason for this is reflection, which began to develop towards the end of primary school age, and in adolescence, it develops more actively. All adolescents strive to acquire the qualities characteristic of an adult. This entails external and internal restructuring. It begins with the imitation of their "idols". From the age of 12-13, children begin to copy the behavior and appearance of significant adults or older peers (lexicon, way of relaxing, hobbies, jewelry, hairstyles, cosmetics, etc.).
For boys the object of imitation is people who behave like “real men”: they have willpower, endurance, courage, courage, endurance, and are loyal to friendship. Therefore, boys at the age of 12-13 begin to pay more attention to their physical data: they enroll in sports sections, develop strength and endurance.
Girls tend to imitate those who look like " real woman»: attractive, charming, popular with others. They begin to pay more attention to clothes, cosmetics, master coquetry techniques, etc.
The current situation of development is characterized by the fact that the formation of the needs of adolescents big influence provides advertising. At this age, emphasis is placed on the presence of certain things: for example, a teenager, receiving an advertised thing for personal use, acquires value both in his own eyes and in the eyes of his peers. For a teenager, it is almost vital to own a certain set of things in order to acquire a certain significance in the eyes of oneself and the eyes of peers. From this we can conclude that advertising, television, the media to some extent form the needs of adolescents.
Physiological changesDuring adolescence, physiological changes occur that lead to changes in the behavior of children.
The period of activity of the dominant center of the corygs of the brain is reduced. As a result, attention becomes short and unstable.
getting worse ability to differentiate. This leads to a deterioration in the understanding of the material presented and the assimilation of information. Therefore, during classes it is necessary to give more vivid, understandable examples, use demonstrative material, and so on. In the course of communication, the teacher should constantly check whether the students understood him correctly: ask questions, use questionnaires and games if necessary.
is increasing latent (hidden) period of reflex reactions. The reaction slows down, the teenager does not immediately answer the question asked, does not immediately begin to fulfill the requirements of the teacher. In order not to aggravate the situation, one should not rush the children, it is necessary to give them time to think and not offend.
Subcortical processes out of control of the cerebral cortex. Adolescents are not able to control the manifestations of both positive and negative emotions. Knowing this feature of adolescence, the teacher needs to be more tolerant, treat the manifestation of emotions with understanding, try not to be “infected” with negative emotions, but to conflict situations switch attention to something else. It is advisable to familiarize children with the techniques of self-regulation and work out these techniques with them.
The activity of the second signaling system is weakened s. Speech becomes short, stereotyped, slowed down. Adolescents may have difficulty understanding auditory (verbal) information. Do not rush them, you can suggest necessary words, when telling a story, use illustrations, i.e. visually reinforce information, write down keywords, paint. When telling or communicating information, it is advisable to speak emotionally, reinforcing your speech with vivid examples.
During adolescence, sexual development begins. Boys and girls begin to treat each other differently than before - as members of the opposite sex. For a teenager, it becomes very important how others treat him, he begins to pay great attention to his appearance. There is an identification of oneself with representatives of one's gender.
Adolescence is usually characterized as a turning point, transitional, critical, but more often - as the age of puberty.Psychological changes
Changes at the psychological level in adolescence are manifested as follows.
All cognitive processes and creative activity reach a high level of development. Memory is being rebuilt. Logical memory begins to develop actively. Gradually, the child moves to the use of logical, arbitrary and mediated memory. The development of mechanical memory slows down. And since at school, with the advent of new subjects, you have to memorize a lot of information, including mechanically, children have problems with memory. Complaints about poor memory at this age are common.
The relationship between memory and thinking is changing. Thinking is determined by memory. To think is to remember. For a teenager to remember is to think. In order to memorize the material, he needs to establish a logical connection between its parts.
There are changes in reading, monologue and writing. Reading from fluent, correct gradually turns into the ability to recite, monologue speech- from the ability to retell the text to the ability to independently prepare oral presentations, written - from presentation to composition. Speech becomes rich.
Thinking becomes theoretical, conceptual due to the fact that a teenager begins to assimilate concepts, improve the ability to use them, reason logically and abstractly. General and special abilities are formed, including those necessary for the future profession.
The emergence of sensitivity to the opinions of others about appearance, knowledge, abilities is associated with the development of self-awareness at this age. Teenagers become more touchy. They want to look their best and make a good impression. It is better for them to remain silent than to speak and make a mistake. Knowing this feature of this age, adults should avoid direct assessments, speak with adolescents using the "I-statement", that is, a statement about oneself, one's feelings. Adolescents should be accepted as they are (unconditional acceptance), given the opportunity to speak to the end when necessary. It is important to support their initiative, even if it seems not entirely relevant and necessary.
In the behavior of adolescents, demonstrativeness, external rebellion, and the desire to free themselves from the care and control of adults are noted. They can defiantly break the rules of behavior, discuss the words or behavior of people in a not entirely correct way, defend their point of view, even if they are not entirely sure of its correctness.
There is a need for trusting communication. Teenagers want to be heard, they need to have their opinion respected. They are very worried when they are interrupted without listening to the end. Adults should talk to them on an equal footing, but avoid familiarity.
Teenagers have a great need for communication and friendship, they are afraid of being rejected. They often avoid communication for fear of "not being liked." Therefore, many children at this age have problems in establishing contacts both with peers and with older people. To make this process less painful, it is necessary to support and encourage them, to develop adequate self-esteem those who are unsure of themselves.
Adolescents strive to be accepted by peers who, in their opinion, have more significant qualities. To achieve this, they sometimes embellish their "exploits", and this can apply to both positive and negative actions; there is a desire for outrageousness. Adolescents may not express their point of view if it disagrees with the opinion of the group and painfully perceive the loss of authority in the group.
There is an appetite for risk. Since teenagers are highly emotional, it seems to them that they can cope with any problem. But in reality this is not always the case, because they still do not know how to adequately assess their strength, do not think about their own safety.
At this age, susceptibility to influence from peers increases. If a child has low self-esteem, then he does not want to be a "black sheep"; this can be expressed in the fear of expressing one's opinion. Some teenagers, who do not have their own opinion and do not have the skills of independent decision-making, turn out to be “guided” and commit some acts, often illegal, “in company” with others who are stronger psychologically and physically.
Adolescents have low resistance to stress. They can act thoughtlessly, behave inappropriately.
Despite the fact that adolescents actively solve various problems related to study and other matters, encourage adults to discuss problems, they show infantilism when solving problems related to the choice of a future profession, ethics of behavior, and a responsible attitude to their duties. Adults need to learn to treat teenagers differently, try to communicate with them on an equal footing, as with adults, but remember that they are still children who need help and support.
Adolescence crisisThe teenage crisis occurs at the age of 12-14 years. In terms of duration, it is longer than all other crisis periods. L.I. Bozovic believes this is due to the faster pace of the physical and mental development undergrowth, leading to the formation of needs that cannot be satisfied due to insufficient social maturity of schoolchildren.
Teen Crisis characterized by the fact that at this age the relationship of adolescents with others is changing. They begin to make increased demands on themselves and on adults and protest against being treated as if they were small children.
On this stage the behavior of children changes dramatically: many of them become rude, uncontrollable, do everything in defiance of their elders, do not obey them, ignore comments (teenager negativism) or, conversely, may withdraw into themselves.
If adults are sympathetic to the needs of the child and, at the first negative manifestations, rebuild their relationship with children, then the transition period is not so violent and painful for both parties. Otherwise, the teenage crisis proceeds very violently. It is influenced by external and internal factors.
To external factors include continued adult control, dependency, and overprotection that the adolescent finds excessive. He seeks to free himself from them, considering himself old enough to make his own decisions and act as he sees fit. A teenager is in a rather difficult situation: on the one hand, he really has become more mature, but, on the other hand, childish traits have been preserved in his psychology and behavior - he does not take his duties seriously enough, cannot act responsibly and independently. All this leads to the fact that adults cannot perceive him as an equal to himself.
However, an adult needs to change his attitude towards a teenager, otherwise resistance may arise on his part, which over time will lead to misunderstanding between an adult and a teenager and interpersonal conflict, and then to a delay in personal development. A teenager may have a feeling of uselessness, apathy, alienation, and the opinion that adults cannot understand and help him or her may be established. As a result, at the moment when a teenager really needs the support and help of elders, he will be emotionally rejected from an adult, and the latter will lose the opportunity to influence the child and help him.
To avoid such problems, you should build a relationship with a teenager based on trust, respect, in a friendly way. The creation of such relationships contributes to the involvement of a teenager in some serious work.
Internal factors reflect the personal development of a teenager. Habits and character traits that prevent him from carrying out his plans change: internal prohibitions are violated, the habit of obeying adults is lost, etc. There is a desire for personal self-improvement, which occurs through the development of self-knowledge (reflection), self-expression, self-affirmation. A teenager is critical of his shortcomings, both physical and personal (character traits), worries about those character traits that prevent him from establishing friendly contacts and relationships with people. Negative statements about him can lead to affective outbursts and conflicts.
At this age, there is an increased growth of the body, which entails behavioral changes and emotional outbursts: the teenager begins to get very nervous, blame himself for failure, which leads to internal tension that is difficult for him to cope with.
Behavioral changes manifested in the desire to "experience everything, go through everything", there is a tendency to take risks. A teenager is attracted to everything that was previously banned. Many of the "curiosity" try alcohol, drugs, start smoking. If this is done not out of curiosity, but because of courage, psychological addiction to drugs may occur, although sometimes curiosity leads to persistent addiction.
At this age, spiritual growth occurs and mental status changes. Reflection that extends to the world and himself, leads to internal contradictions, which are based on the loss of identity with oneself, the discrepancy between former ideas about oneself and the current image. These conflicts can lead to obsessive states: doubts, fears, depressing thoughts about yourself.
The manifestation of negativism can be expressed in some adolescents in senseless opposition to others, unmotivated contradiction (most often adults) and other protest reactions. Adults (teachers, parents, relatives) need to rebuild relationships with a teenager, try to understand his problems and make the transition period less painful.
Leading activities in adolescenceThe leading activity in adolescence is communication with peers. Communicating, teenagers learn the norms social behavior, morality, establish relations of equality and respect for each other.
At this age, two systems of relationships are formed: one - with adults, the other - with peers. Relationships with adults are unequal. Relationships with peers are built as equal partners and are governed by the norms of equality. A teenager begins to spend more time with peers, as this communication brings him more benefits, his actual needs and interests are satisfied. Teenagers unite in groups that become more stable, certain rules apply in these groups. Adolescents in such groups are attracted by the similarity of interests and problems, the opportunity to speak and discuss them and be understood.
There are two types of relationships during adolescence: at the beginning of this period - friendly, at the end - friendly. In older adolescence, three types of relationships appear: external - episodic "business" contacts that serve to momentarily satisfy interests and needs; friendly, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, skills and abilities; friendly, allowing to resolve issues of an emotional and personal nature.
In the second half of adolescence, communication with peers turns into an independent activity. The teenager is not sitting at home, he is eager to join his comrades, he wants to live a group life. Problems that arise in relationships with peers are experienced very hard. To attract the attention of peers, a teenager can go to any lengths, even violating social norms or open conflict with adults.
Companionable relations are based on the “companion code”, which includes respect for the personal dignity of another person, equality, loyalty, honesty, decency, readiness to help. At this age, such qualities as selfishness, greed, violation of given word, betrayal of a friend, arrogance, unwillingness to reckon with the opinions of others. Such behavior in a group of adolescent peers is not only not welcomed, but also rejected. A teenager who has demonstrated such qualities may be boycotted, denied admission to the company, and joint participation in any business.
In a teenage group, a leader necessarily appears and leadership relationships are established. Teenagers try to attract the attention of the leader and value friendship with him. A teenager is also interested in friends for whom he can be a leader or act as an equal partner.
An important factor in friendly rapprochement is the similarity of interests and deeds. A teenager who values friendship with a friend may show interest in the business in which he is engaged, as a result of which new cognitive interests arise. Friendship activates the communication of adolescents, they have the opportunity to discuss the events taking place at school, personal relationships, the actions of peers and adults.
By the end of adolescence, the need for a close friend is very great. A teenager dreams that a person will appear in his life who knows how to keep secrets, who is responsive, sensitive, understanding. Mastering moral standards is the most important personal acquisition of adolescence.
Learning activities, although it remains predominant, recedes into the background. Grades are no longer the only value, it becomes important what place a teenager takes in the class. All the most interesting, extra-urgent, urgent things happen and are discussed during breaks.
Adolescents tend to participate in a variety of activities: sports, art, socially useful, etc. Thus, they try to take a certain place among people, show their importance, adulthood, feel like a member of society, realize the need for acceptance and independence.
9.6. Neoplasms of adolescence
Neoplasms of this age are: a sense of adulthood; development of self-awareness, the formation of the ideal of personality; tendency to reflection; interest in the opposite sex, puberty; increased excitability, frequent mood swings; special development of volitional qualities; the need for self-affirmation and self-improvement, in activities that have personal meaning; self-determination.
The feeling of adulthood is the attitude of a teenager towards himself as an adult. A teenager wants adults to treat him not like a child, but like an adult
The development of self-awareness, the formation of the ideal of personality is aimed at a person's awareness of his personal characteristics. This is determined by the special, critical attitude of the teenager to his shortcomings. The desired image of "I" usually consists of the valued qualities and virtues of other people. But since both adults and peers act as an ideal for imitation, the image turns out to be contradictory. It turns out that in this image, a combination of character traits of an adult and a young person is necessary, and this is not always compatible in one person. Perhaps this is the reason for the teenager's inconsistency with his ideal, which is a reason for worry.
The tendency to reflection (self-knowledge). The desire of a teenager to know himself often leads to a loss of mental balance. The main form of self-knowledge is comparing oneself with other people, adults and peers, a critical attitude towards oneself, as a result of which a psychological crisis develops. A teenager has to go through mental anguish, during which his self-esteem is formed and his place in society is determined. His behavior is regulated by self-esteem, formed during communication with others. When developing self-esteem, much attention is paid to internal criteria. As a rule, it is contradictory in younger adolescents, so their behavior is characterized by unmotivated actions.
Interest in the opposite sex, puberty. During adolescence, the relationship between boys and girls changes. Now they show interest in each other as members of the opposite sex. Therefore, teenagers begin to pay great attention to their appearance: clothes, hairstyle, figure, demeanor, etc. At first, interest in the opposite sex manifests itself unusually: boys begin to bully girls, who, in turn, complain about the boys, fight with them, call names, unflattering responses to them. This behavior pleases both. Over time, the relationship between them changes: shyness, stiffness, timidity, sometimes feigned indifference, a contemptuous attitude towards a representative of the opposite sex, etc. may appear. Girls, earlier than boys, begin to worry about the question: “Who likes whom?”. This is due to the faster physiological development of girls. During adolescence, a romantic relationship develops between boys and girls. They write notes, letters to each other, make dates, walk the streets together, go to the cinema. As a result, they have a need to become better, they begin to engage in self-improvement and self-education.
Further physiological development leads to the fact that between boys and girls there may be a sexual attraction, characterized by a certain non-differentiation (illegibility) and increased excitability. This often leads to an internal conflict between the desire of a teenager to master new forms of behavior, in particular physical contact, and prohibitions on such relationships, both external - on the part of parents, and internal - their own taboos. However, sexual relations are of great interest to teenagers. And the weaker the internal "brakes" and the less developed the sense of responsibility for oneself and the other, the sooner there is a readiness for sexual contacts with representatives of both one's own and the opposite sex.
Increased excitability, frequent mood swings. Physiological changes, a sense of adulthood, changes in relationships with adults, the desire to escape from their care, reflection - all this leads to the fact that the emotional state of a teenager becomes unstable. This is expressed in frequent mood swings, increased excitability, "explosiveness", tearfulness, aggressiveness, negativism, or, conversely, in apathy, indifference, indifference.
Development of volitional qualities. In adolescence, children begin to intensively engage in self-education. This is especially true for boys - the ideal of masculinity becomes one of the main ones for them. At the age of 11-12, boys like to watch adventure films or read related books. They try to imitate heroes with masculinity, courage, willpower. In older adolescence, the main attention is directed to the self-development of the necessary volitional qualities. Boys devote a lot of time to sports activities related to big physical activity and risk, those that require extraordinary willpower and courage.
There is some consistency in the formation of volitional qualities. First, the main dynamic physical qualities: strength, quickness and speed of reaction, then - qualities associated with the ability to withstand large and prolonged loads: endurance, endurance, patience and perseverance. And only then more complex and subtle volitional qualities are formed: concentration of attention, concentration, efficiency. At the beginning, at the age of 10-11 years old, a teenager simply admires the presence of these qualities in others, at 11-12 years old he declares a desire to possess such qualities, and at 12-13 years old he starts self-education of the will. The most active age of education of volitional qualities is the period from 13 to 14 years.
The need for self-assertion and self improvement in activities that have personal meaning. Self-determination.
Adolescence is also significant in that it is at this age that skills, skills, business qualities are developed, and the choice of a future profession takes place. At this age, children have an increased interest in various activities, the desire to do something with their own hands, increased curiosity, and the first dreams of a future profession appear. Primary professional interests arise in learning and work, which creates favorable conditions for the formation of the necessary business qualities.
Children at this age have increased cognitive and creative activity. They strive to learn something new, to learn something and try to do it well, they begin to improve their knowledge, skills and abilities. Similar processes also take place outside the school, and adolescents act both independently (they design, build, draw, etc.) and with the help of adults or older comrades. The need to do "in an adult way" stimulates adolescents to self-education, self-improvement, self-service. A job well done gets the approval of others, which leads to self-affirmation of adolescents.
Adolescents have a differentiated attitude to learning. This is due to the level of their intellectual development, a fairly broad outlook, the volume and strength of knowledge, professional inclinations and interests. Therefore, in relation to school subjects, selectivity arises: some become loved and needed, while interest in others decreases. The attitude to the subject is also influenced by the personality of the teacher.
There are new motives for learning associated with the expansion of knowledge, the formation of the necessary skills and abilities that allow you to engage in interesting work and independent creative work.
A system of personal values is being formed. In the future, they determine the content of the adolescent's activity, the scope of his communication, the selectivity of his attitude towards people, the assessment of these people and self-esteem. In older adolescents, the process of professional self-determination begins.
In adolescence organizational skills, efficiency, enterprise, the ability to establish business contacts, agree on joint affairs, the distribution of responsibilities, etc. begin to form. These qualities can develop in any field of activity in which a teenager is involved: in learning, work, play.
By the end of adolescence, the process of self-determination is almost completed, and some skills and abilities necessary for further professional development are formed.
YOUTH (FROM 15-16 TO 20 YEARS)cognitive changes
In adolescence, a philosophical orientation of thinking is noted, which is due to the development of formal-logical operations and emotional characteristics.
Young men tend to be more abstract thinking, girls - concrete. Therefore, girls usually solve specific problems better than abstract ones, their cognitive interests are less defined and differentiated, although they, as a rule, study better than boys. The artistic and humanitarian interests of girls in most cases prevail over the natural sciences.
Many at this age tend to exaggerate their abilities, knowledge, mental capabilities.
In adolescence, the amount of attention increases, as well as the ability to maintain its intensity for a long time and switch from one subject to another. But attention becomes more selective and dependent on the orientation of interests.
Develop Creative skills. Therefore, at this age, boys and girls not only learn information, but also create something new.
Personal properties of a creatively gifted person can be different. It depends on the field of activity in which talent is manifested. Researchers have found that a creatively gifted person can show normal results in learning activities.
The mental development of a high school student consists both in the accumulation of skills and the change in individual properties of the intellect, and in the formation of an individual style of mental activity.
The individual style of mental activity, according to the definition of the Russian psychologist E.A. Klimov, it is "an individual-peculiar system of psychological means that a person consciously or spontaneously resorts to in order to best balance his (typologically determined) individuality with the objective, external conditions of activity." N. Kogan believed that in cognitive processes the individual style of mental activity acts as a style of thinking, i.e. as a stable set of individual variations in the ways of perception, memorization and thinking, behind which there are various ways of acquiring, accumulating, processing and using information.
The possibility of intellectual advancement at this age comes through the development of learning skills when working with texts, literature, working out formal logical operations, etc.
Educational and professional activities
In adolescence, personal and professional self-determination takes place. Professional self-determination, according to I.S. Konu is divided into several stages.
1. Children's game. Acting in the game as a representative of various professions, the child "loses" individual elements of the behavior associated with them.
2. Teenage fantasy. A teenager imagines himself in the role of a representative of a profession that is attractive to him.
3. Preliminary choice of profession. Many specialties are considered by a young person, first from the point of view of interests (“I love mathematics. I will become a mathematics teacher”), then from the point of view of abilities (“I am good at a foreign language. I will be a translator”), and then from the point of view of his value system ( “I want to work creatively”, “I want to earn a lot”, etc.).
4. Practical decision making. This is directly the choice of a specialty, which includes two components: the choice of a specific profession and the determination of the level of labor qualifications, the volume and duration of training for it.
The choice of specialty is characterized by multistage. By the end of the 9th grade, students will have to decide what to do next: either get a secondary education, i.e. continue their studies at school, or start vocational training, i.e. go to college or lyceum, or go to work and continue their education at night school. Those who prefer vocational training or work should decide on a specialty. It is very difficult for a ninth grader to do this, and the choice often turns out to be erroneous, because the choice of a profession implies that the student has both information about the world of professions and about himself, his abilities and interests.
The choice of profession depends on social and psychological conditions. Social conditions include the general educational level of parents. If the parents have higher education, then the probability that their children will want to study in higher educational institution, increases.
Psychological conditions are determined by three approaches to choosing a profession:
1) it is necessary that personal and business qualities, on which the success of the activity will depend, have already been formed and are unchanged and constant;
2) directed formation of abilities necessary for activity. There is an opinion that the necessary qualities can be developed in each person;
3) observance of the principle of unity of consciousness and activity, i.e., orientation towards the formation of an individual style of activity.
The process of professional self-determination is very complex and depends on the following factors: the age at which the profession is chosen; level of awareness and level of claims.
For later life great importance has the age at which the choice of profession was made. It is believed that the sooner self-determination occurs, the better. But this is not always the case, because, on the one hand, in adolescence, hobbies are sometimes random, situational. On the other hand, a teenager is not yet very familiar with the world of professions, their features, and when making a choice, he sees only the positive aspects of the profession, while the negative ones remain “in the shadows”. In addition, at this age there is some categoricalness, which leads to the division of professions into "good" and "bad". The negative side of early professionalization also lies in the fact that the younger a person is, the more influence adults, peers or older acquaintances have on him when choosing a specialty. In the future, this may cause disappointment in the chosen specialty. Therefore, early professional self-determination is not always correct.
An important role in choosing a specialty is played by the level of awareness of young men and women about their future profession and about themselves. As a rule, young people are poorly informed about the labor market, the nature, content and working conditions, business, professional and personal qualities required when working in a particular specialty, which also negatively affects the correct choice.
When choosing a profession, the level of personal claims is of great importance. It includes an assessment of objective capabilities, i.e. what a person can really do (it is difficult for someone who cannot draw to become an artist) and abilities.
Since professional orientation is a part of social self-determination, the choice of a profession will be successful only when a young person combines a social and moral choice with reflections on the meaning of life and the nature of one's own "I".
The process of becoming self-consciousThe most important psychological process in adolescence is the formation of self-awareness and a stable image of "I".
Psychologists have long been interested in why it is at this age that the development of self-awareness occurs. As a result of many studies, they came to the conclusion that the following factors contribute to this.
1. There is a further development of intelligence. The development of abstract-logical thinking leads to the emergence of an irresistible desire for abstraction and theorizing. Boys and girls are ready to talk and argue for hours on abstract topics, about which, in fact, they know nothing. They like this very much, because an abstract possibility knows no limits other than logical ones.
2. In early youth there is an opening of the inner world. Boys and girls begin to immerse themselves and enjoy their experiences, look at the world differently, discover new feelings, the beauty of nature, the sounds of music, the sensations of their bodies. Youth is sensitive to inner, psychological problems. Therefore, at this age, the young man is already beginning to worry psychological content story, and not just an external, eventful moment.
3. With age, the image of a perceived person changes. It is considered from the position of outlook, mental abilities, emotions, strong-willed qualities, attitudes towards work and other people. The ability to explain and analyze human behavior, the desire to accurately and convincingly present the material is growing.
4. The opening of the inner world leads to anxiety and dramatic experiences. Along with the realization of one's uniqueness, originality, dissimilarity to others, a feeling of loneliness or fear of loneliness appears. The youthful "I" is still vague, indefinite, unstable, so there may be a feeling of inner emptiness and anxiety, from which, as well as from a feeling of loneliness. need to get rid of. Young people fill this vacuum through communication, which at this age becomes selective. But, despite the need for communication, the need for solitude remains, moreover, it is vital.
5. Adolescence tends to exaggerate its uniqueness. From young people you can hear such statements, for example: “In my opinion, it’s harder than me ... It goes away with age. How older man The more developed he is, the more differences he finds between himself and his peers. This leads to the emergence of a need for psychological intimacy, which allows one to reveal oneself and be admitted into the inner world of another person, which leads to the realization of one's dissimilarity to others, an understanding of one's inner world and unity with people around.
6. There is a feeling of stability in time. The development of time perspectives is associated with intellectual development and a change in life outlook.
If for a child of all time dimensions the most important is “now” (he does not feel the flow of time, and all important experiences occur in the present, the future and past are vague for him), then in a teenager the perception of time covers not only the present, but also the past, and the future seems to be a continuation of the present. And in adolescence, there is an expansion of the time perspective both in depth, covering the distant past and future, and in breadth, including personal and social perspectives. For boys and girls, the main dimension of time is the future.
Due to these temporary changes there is a reorientation of consciousness from external control to internal self-control, the need to achieve goals increases. There is an awareness of the fluidity, irreversibility of time and the finiteness of one's existence. For some, the thought of the inevitability of death causes fear and horror, while for others - the desire for activity, everyday activities. Some adults believe that the less young people think about sad things, the better. But this is erroneous: it is the realization of the inevitability of death that makes a person seriously think about the meaning of life.
The formation of a personality includes the formation of a stable image of the "I", that is, a holistic view of oneself. There is an awareness of one's qualities and a set of self-assessments. Boys and girls begin to reflect on the topics: “Who can I become, what are my opportunities and prospects, what have I done and what else can I do in life?”
Both for boys and girls, appearance is of great importance: height, skin condition; the appearance of acne, blackheads is painfully perceived. Weight becomes an important issue. Sometimes young people, especially girls, begin to resort to various diets, which are categorically contraindicated at this age, as they can cause great harm to the developing organism. Young men tend to build up their muscles (they play hard sports), and girls, wanting to have a graceful figure, try to “fit” it to the standard of beauty imposed by advertising and the media (the required size of the chest, waist, hips, etc.).
Since the properties of a person as an individual are formed and realized earlier than personal ones, the ratio of “corporeal” and moral and psychological components of the “I” in adolescence is not the same. Young people compare the structure of their body and appearance with the developmental features of their comrades, find shortcomings in themselves and begin to "complex" about their "inferiority". As a rule, the standard of beauty at this age is overestimated and unrealistic, so such experiences are mostly groundless.
Growing up, a person becomes more self-confident, preoccupation with appearance disappears. Such qualities as mental abilities, strong-willed and moral qualities, relations with others come to the fore.
In adolescence, changes occur in the holistic perception of the image of "I". This is reflected in the following points.
1. With age, the cognitive complexity and differentiation of the elements of the image of "I" change. In other words, adults distinguish and recognize in themselves more business and personal qualities than young men; young men - more than teenagers; teenagers are more than children. It has to do with the development of the intellect.
2. The integrative tendency is intensifying, on which the internal consistency, the integrity of the image of the “I” depend. This is expressed in the fact that adolescents and young men are able to characterize themselves, that is, describe their qualities, better than children. But since the level of their claims has not yet been completely determined and the transition from external assessment to self-assessment is still difficult, internal meaningful contradictions of self-consciousness are noted (for example, a young person can say about himself: “I am a genius + insignificance in my mind”), which will serve as a source further development.
3. The stability of the image of "I" changes over time. Adults describe themselves more consistently than boys, teenagers, and children. Self-description of adults depends less on situational, random circumstances. We must also take into account the fact that the personality traits that make up the image of the "I" have varying degrees of stability. They can change, disappear, other traits can develop (for example, a person was shy, but became active, sociable, etc.).
4. There are changes in the concretization, degree of significance and distinctness of the image of "I". The more mature a person becomes, the more clearly he realizes his individuality, originality, difference from others, the more clearly he can explain the peculiarities of his behavior. With a change in the content of the image of the “I”, the degree of significance of its individual features, on which the individual focused attention, changes, for example, in adolescence, external manifestations come to the fore, while internal qualities become priority for adults. There is an awareness of one's experiences, which may be accompanied by increased attention to oneself, concern for oneself and the impression that a young person makes on others. The consequence of these experiences is shyness, which is characteristic of many young men and women.
Relationships with othersIn adolescence, the development of relationships with peers and adults also goes separately. These relationships become more complex, boys and girls begin to play many social roles, the relationships in which they are included, externally and internally, become similar to relations between adults. Their basis is mutual respect and equality.
Relations with peers are divided into comradely and friendly. Among peers, those who possess such qualities as responsiveness, restraint, cheerfulness, good nature, compliance, and a developed sense of humor are respected. Friendship is the most important type of emotional attachment and interpersonal relationships of adolescence. Friendship is measured by the degree of selectivity, stability and intimacy.
If a child does not distinguish between friendship and companionship, then in adolescence friendship is considered an exclusive, individual relationship. In childhood, the child's attachments must be constantly reinforced, otherwise the attachment will be destroyed, and in youth, friendship can be maintained even at a distance, it does not depend on external, situational factors.
With age, interests and preferences stabilize, so friendships become more stable. This is expressed in the growth of tolerance: a quarrel, which in childhood can become a reason for a break, in youth is perceived as a particularity that can be neglected in order to preserve the relationship.
Mutual assistance, fidelity and psychological closeness become the main thing in friendship. If the basis of group relations is joint activity, then friendship is built on emotional attachment. Personal closeness is more important than common subject interests.
The psychological value of friendship lies in the fact that it is at the same time a school of both self-disclosure and understanding of another person.
It is very important for young men and women to communicate with adults: they listen to their words, observe their behavior, and in some cases are prone to idealization. The choice of an older friend is determined by the need for guardianship, guidance, and example. Friendship with adults is necessary and desirable, but friendship with peers is more important and stronger, because here communication takes place on an equal footing: it is easier to communicate with peers, you can tell them everything without fear of ridicule, you can be with them what you are without trying to seem smarter.
According to the French psychologist B. Zazzo, youth is both sincere and most insincere age. In youth, most of all I want to be in harmony with myself, to be uncompromising; there is a need for complete and reckless self-disclosure. But the uncertainty and instability of ideas about one's own "I" gives rise to a desire to test oneself by playing unusual roles, drawing, self-denial. The young man suffers from the fact that he cannot express his inner world, because the image of his "I" is still incomplete and unclear.
Youth is emotional: at this age, there is a stormy passion for new ideas, deeds, people. Such hobbies may be short-lived, but they allow you to experience and learn a lot of new things. A new quality appears - estrangement, the essence of which is that, before accepting something, everything must be carefully and critically checked, to be convinced of the truth and correctness. An excessive manifestation of estrangement can lead to the fact that a person becomes rigid and insensitive, and then not only other people, but also his own feelings and experiences. Even in his first love, he will be occupied only with his experiences, with which he will be more passionate than his loved one. This can lead to difficulty both in self-disclosure and in understanding it by another person, as a result of which problems may arise in establishing interpersonal contacts.
The psychology of youthful friendship is closely related to gender and age differences.. The need for deep, intimate friendship in girls occurs one and a half to two years earlier than in boys. Girlish friendships are more emotional, they often experience a lack of intimacy, are more prone to self-disclosure, give more value interpersonal relationships. This is due to the fact that girls mature faster, they begin to develop self-awareness earlier, and therefore the need for intimate friendship arises earlier than boys. For high school students, peers of the same sex remain a significant group, and a friend of the same sex is also a “confidant of all secrets”. Girls dream of a friend of the opposite sex. If one appears, then he, as a rule, is older than his girlfriend. Friendship between a boy and a girl can eventually develop into love.
A common communication problem in adolescence is shyness. It limits the social activity of the individual and in some cases contributes to the development of deviant behavior: alcoholism, unmotivated aggression, psychosexual difficulties. A favorable climate in the team and intimate friendships help to overcome shyness.
In early adolescence, not only friendships arise. A new feeling appears: love. Its occurrence is due to: 1) puberty, ending in early adolescence; 2) the desire to have a close friend with whom you can talk on the most intimate topics; 3) the need for strong emotional attachment, understanding, emotional intimacy.
The nature of love feelings and attachments depends on the general communicative qualities. On the one hand, love is a need and a thirst for possession (the ancient Greeks called it "eros"), on the other hand, a need for selfless self-giving (in Greek - "agape"). Thus, it is possible to characterize love as a special form of human relationships, involving maximum intimacy and psychological closeness. A person who is not capable of psychological intimacy with another person may experience a need for love, but it will never be satisfied.
Talking about strength and durability love relationship, recall the words of A.S. Makarenko: “... a young man will never love his bride and wife if he did not love his parents, comrades, friends. And the wider this non-sexual love, the nobler will be sexual love.
Boys and girls need the help of their elders, as they face many problems in developing these new relationships. These are the features of relationships, and moral and moral problems, and the rituals of courtship, and the very moment of declaration of love. But such help should be unobtrusive, because young people want and have every right to protect their intimate world from intrusion and peeping.
Relationships with adults are changing. They become more even, less conflicted, young people begin to listen more to the opinion of their elders, realizing that they wish them well. Boys and girls in love do not react as emotionally as in adolescence to the comments of their parents regarding them. appearance, housework, exercises. Relationships are moving into a new stage: they are built in the same way as between adults.
