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Adolescent learners are characterized by significant social, emotional, and psychological changes. Many mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, often appear at first but may go unnoticed or unaddressed. They commonly experience mood swings, emotional outbursts, and confusion about their identity, largely due to hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty. These emotional ups and downs contribute to the intense selfquestioning typical of adolescence, as young people grapple with questions like “Who am I?” and “Where do I belong?” This process can cause stress and lower self-esteem.
As adolescents, strive for independence, they may show rebellious behavior, challenge authority figures, or take part in risky activities. This behavior is a normal part of their development, reflecting their efforts to establish autonomy and define their personal identity. However, these actions can sometimes result in conflicts within the family or at school and, in some cases, lead to harmful or dangerous habits. Understanding these challenges is essential for providing support that helps adolescent learners navigate their complex stages in a healthy and constructive way.
Below is a summary of the psychological challenges faced by adolescent learners in school.
2. Summary of psychological challenges faced by adolescent people
|
Psychological Challenge |
Description |
|
Identity formation |
Struggle with self-identity, self-esteem, and belonging may lead to confusion and low confidence. |
|
Peer pressure |
Pressure to fit in, leading to risky behaviors or low self-worth due to comparison with others. |
|
Academic stress |
Anxiety from high expectations, fear of failure, difficulty managing workload and responsibilities. |
|
Juvenile delinquency |
Juvenile delinquency is the habitual committing criminal acts or offences by a young person, especially one below the age at which ordinary criminal prosecution is possible. A delinquent can be defined as a child or youth between ages 6-18 years who breaks laws enacted by authorities. |
|
Mental health issues |
Emergence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or other mental health concerns. |
|
Low motivation & attention problems |
Struggles with focus, impulse control, and sustained effort in learning. |
|
Conflicts with authority |
Resistance to rules and questioning of adult authority may result in disciplinary issues. |
|
Substance use and abuse |
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to experimenting with substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Peer pressure, curiosity, low self-esteem, and exposure to substance use at home can all contribute to this behavior. What may begin as experimentation can quickly become dependent if not addressed early. |
|
Aggression and Violence |
Some adolescents, especially boys, may exhibit aggressive behavior due to hormonal changes, peer influence, or exposure to violence. This can manifest bullying, physical fights, or even criminal behavior. |
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