HD

300: Final Research Paper #3

HD 300: Final Research Paper #3

Maura Maldonado
Pacific Oaks College

HD 300: Final Research Paper #3

HD
300: Final Research Paper #3

Adolescence is the bridge from childhood to adulthood. As discussed in class puberty is the
onset of an adolescents awareness of body image. Adolescence is a time of intense
preoccupation with the self which is growing and changing daily (Pipher, 1994).
Puberty is defined as a biological process. Adolescence is defined as the social and personal
experience of that process (Pipher, 1994). Emotions are chaotic and changeable. During this
stage of development it is hard for teens to hold onto what is important to them, what they have
been taught, or believe in. Adolescence is a time when peers become increasingly important
sources of support, influence, and pressure.
Life issues and personal changes are pressures that most teens are not mature enough to
handle. Whether or not a young child is connected rather than abandoned, accepted rather than
rejected, and nurtured rather than neglected or abused (Garbarino, 1999) may be the deciding
factor how an adolescent faces and deals with life.
Staying connected with someone who cares is tremendously important. Adolescence is a time
when peers become increasingly important sources of support and influence. Teens may act like
parents are not important during adolescence but they are very important. Teens with close
relationships with their parents dont experiment as much with drugs and risky sexual behaviors
(Huebner, 2009). The relationship between a teen and their parents is crucial in identity
formation. Identity formation in the teen years includes ethnic and cultural identity, gender
identity, sexual identity, health and body image, and learning to handle adult responsibilities
(Vulcan Productions, Nova 2010).
I have provided a list of recommendations that I hope may detour negative thoughts and
depression during this stressful yet exhilarating time of life.

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300: Final Research Paper #3

1. Get plenty of rest, sleep! A teen needs more sleep to allow their bodies to keep up with
the rapid growth during adolescence.
2. Remember that teens are unique and wonderful individuals.
3. Eat healthy and eat often. As a teen you need to take in more calories to fuel your
growth.
4. Sports, recreation, get involved! Exercise will help a teen burn excess energy, strengthen
developing muscles, and sleep better at night. Exercise may also help a teen become
more comfortable with their bodies.
5. Communicate! Teens need to have someone they can talk to. Peers, caring adults, stay
connected to someone you can share your feelings with. Someone who you trust to be
honest with you. This is important for every one of all ages.
6. Private time is important for a teen. But it is important not to isolate yourself.
7. Get involved with your community. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, walk dogs for
people in the community, take meals to the elderly. Talk with them about health-care and
their experiences in life.
8. Keep a journal. Think about your thoughts and feelings. Writing them down is a way of
working through how you feel.
9. Use the social media. There are many positive ways to use social media, stay in touch
with friends and family members. Whether through messaging, phone calls, or sharing
photographs daily communication with others is crucial and can be fun. There are many
web sites that are informative and geared toward the adolescent: Teen Health FX, MSPP
INTERFACE Referral Service, TEEN LINE Teens Helping Teens- Connect, talk, get
help!
10. Involve yourself with things of interest. Hobbies, clubs, church, interests may change
often but dont give up stay social!

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300: Final Research Paper #3

References
Benjamin-Phariss, B. & Hutton, R. (Producers). (2010). This emotional life (Television series).
PBS International: Kunhardt McGee Productions.
Garbarino, J. (1999). Lost Boys: Why our sons turn violent and how we can save them. New
York: Simon and Schuster Inc.
Morgan, E. & Huebner, A. (2012). Adolescent growth and development. Retrieved from.
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/350/350-850

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300: Final Research Paper #3

Pipher, M. (1994). Reviving Ophelia: Saving the selves of adolescent girls. New York:
Penguin Group.