What Does Psychology Say?

Figure 10.1 Young people are trying their hardest to fit in with their friends and peers while also trying to establish themselves as independent individuals. (credit: modification of work “Teenagers” by Monica Arellano-Ongpin/Flickr, CC By 2.0)

Chapter Outline

10.1 Theories of Adolescent Socioemotional Development

10.2 Emotional and Self-Development in Adolescence

10.3 Identity and Culture: Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality in Adolescence

10.4 Social Contexts in Adolescence

10.5 Family and Community Contexts in Adolescence

Twelve-year-old Madeleine checks her hair in the mirror one last time, grabs her belongings, and heads out to the car where her mother Cara is waiting. She asks her mother to please roll up the window, worried that a classmate might hear Cara’s outdated music. The car stops at the middle school entrance, and Madeleine quickly gathers her gear and jumps out. Cara calls, “I love you!” and Madeline sighs but offers the smallest smile on her face and a wave. Cara drives away, taking some comfort in the smile on her daughter’s face as Madeleine excitedly joins several friends entering the building. The friends are all wearing the same sneakers and carrying similar backpacks. On her drive to work, a mix of emotions and thoughts cross Cara’s mind:

• Where did my carefree little girl go? Is this the start of her adolescence?
• Why does she always seem annoyed with me these days?
• Why is she so concerned about fitting in?
• Is she too focused on the trends she sees on social media?
• Did she pack enough food for lunch and her after-school track practice?

This chapter explores the field of lifespan development’s perspectives and answers to these and many other everyday concerns of adolescence.