Peer pressure, developing an identity, friends
Peer pressure, while still an issue for teens in the 15 – 17 year old range, is less of a problem. Teenagers in mid-adolescence are much better equipped to resist peer pressure than their younger counterparts.
Teens will begin to form solid groups of friends, usually centered around a specific interest. At this stage, your teenager may have a few very close friends.
While the possibility of breaking free from family is very appealing to teens this age, it is also overwhelming. By this point, teens are hearing about what they’ll need to get into college. They will most likely be aware of the financial commitment that comes along with going to college. This will be overwhelming. Teens will also feel pressure to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. While adults may not directly put this pressure on, teenagers will feel it.
Control is a big thing for teens in mid-adolescence. The less control a teen actually has at this time, the more out of control the teen’s behavior will be.
Exploration and experimentation with cigarettes, alcohol and possibly other drugs is common. Mid-adolescent teens will also have strong sexual urges and will probably become sexually active. Teenagers will also become more aware of their sexual orientation and some teenagers will engage in experimentation.
This is a time that is ripe for depression symptoms to manifest. Teenagers are equally able to become depressed as adults are. If your teenager or a friend seems sad or down for more than two weeks, get help. Be cautious of antidepressant drugs because teenagers are more apt to commit suicide while on antidepressant medication.
For more information: Please return to the list for more mid-adolescent development issues.
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