Related Experiment Videos
Characteristics of well adjusted adolescents
J H Kashani1, T Rosenberg, N C Beck
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia 65201.
Summary
A study found that 16.7% of adolescents aged 14-16 were well-adjusted, exhibiting better personalities and self-concepts. These adolescents also reported more caring parents and greater social support systems.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Psychology
- Mental Health Research
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Understanding adolescent well-being is crucial for mental health interventions.
- Identifying factors contributing to positive adjustment in teenagers is a key research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristics of well-adjusted adolescents within a community sample.
- To explore differences in personality, self-concept, parental relationships, and social support between adjusted and non-adjusted adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A community sample of 150 adolescents (14-16 years old) was assessed.
- Structured interviews were conducted with both the adolescents and their parents.
- Participants were categorized as well-adjusted or controls based on interview data.
Main Results:
- 16.7% of adolescents were identified as well-adjusted.
- Well-adjusted adolescents demonstrated distinct personality traits and superior self-concepts compared to controls.
- They perceived their parents as more caring and utilized more extensive social support systems.
Conclusions:
- Parental care and robust social support networks are significant factors in adolescent adjustment.
- These findings have implications for mental health professionals in supporting adolescent well-being.
- Targeted interventions can leverage these factors to promote positive development in teenagers.