The Challenges of Middle and

Late Adolescence
Thriving through the Struggle of Adolescence

Adolescence can be both arduous and

exhilarating. As the body prepares for maturity
and prepares to perform adult functions,
many difficulties arise among teenagers that
often push them to the limits of their mental
and emotional state. These changes may also
invite expectations from family, friends, the
school, and the community; which adds to the
pressure that adolescents experience.
Affirmations of Lovable and Capable
Adolescents
 Emotional Development

• May stress over school and test scores.

• Is self-involved (may have high expectations and low self-
concept).
• Seeks privacy and time alone.
• Is concerned about physical and sexual attractiveness.
• May complain that parents prevent him or her from
doing
• things independently.
• Starts to want both physical and emotional intimacy in
relationships.
 Social Development
• shifts in relationship with parents from dependency and
subordination
• to one that reflects the adolescent’s increasing maturity and
• responsibilities in the family and the community,
• Is more and more aware of social behaviors of friends.
• Seeks friends that share the same beliefs, values, and
interests.
• Friends become more important.
• Starts to have more intellectual interests.
• Explores romantic and sexual behaviors with others.
 Mental Development
• Becomes better able to set goals and think in
terms of the future.
• Has a better understanding of complex
problems and issues.
• Starts to develop moral ideals and to select
role models
• Encouragement is the key ingredient for improving
your relationships with others. It is the single most
important skill necessary for getting along with
others – so important that the lack of it could be
considered the primary cause of conflict and
misbehavior. Encouragement develops a person’s
psychological hardiness and social interest.
Encouragement is the lifeblood of a relationship.
And yet this simple concept is often very hard to put
into practice