|
|
Middle adolescents become more and more involved with themselves. They may first set very high expectations at first and then become burdened with poor self-concept, when they are unable to achieve them. They often complain that parents are placing too many restrictions on them and interfering with their independence and look down upon them and try to withdraw away from them emotionally. They become very much aware and concerned about their body and appearance and try to make new friends.
Peer group becomes very important to kids of this age and they take great care to maintain the identity of the group and look selective and superior to others. Competitiveness increases in priority. The withdrawal of parents result in psychological loss to them, though they themselves are responsible for it and may sink into sadness from time to time. Many of them try to analyze the experiences they are going through and try to understand their inner turbulence by writing diaries and journals. Some of the previous sexual and aggressive energy now turns towards creative, intellectual and career interests.
They become more capable of setting goals. Middle teens are concerned about their sexual attractiveness and frequently change relationships. They harbor fears of homosexuality and towards opposite sex. However, they may turn out heterosexual and are comparatively tenderer towards other sex. This is the time when children start selecting and identifying their role models and develop their own set of ideals. They also show a drift towards listening to their conscience and moral reasoning.