Discuss several points of confusion that often surface in discussions of adolescent problem behavior and that lead to exaggerations of its prevalence and seriousness.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Four points in particular are important. First, there is a distinction that must be made between occasional experimentation with substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana and more enduring patterns of dangerous or troublesome behavior. Research shows that rates of occasional, and usually harmless, experimentation far exceed rates of enduring problem behavior. Whether parents approve of it or not, experimentation with substances is becoming a normative part of adolescence. However, even though many adolescents have experimented, very few of them report using any substance on a daily basis. Second, a distinction must be made between problems that have their origins and onset in adolescence and those that have their roots in earlier periods of development. The fact that a problem may be displayed during adolescence does not mean that it is a problem of adolescence. Third, it is important to remember that some, although not all, of the problems experienced by adolescents are relatively transitory in nature and are resolved by the beginning of adulthood with few long-term repercussions in the majority of cases. Finally, problem behavior during adolescence is virtually never a direct consequence of the normative changes of adolescence itself.

Key Points:

a) Distinguish between occasional experimentation and enduring delinquent behavior.

b) Some problems begin before adolescence and others emerge at the onset of adolescence.

c) Most problems are transitory in nature.

d) Problem behavior is not associated with the normative changes of adolescence.