Adolescence prepares individuals for a successful transition from childhood to adulthood and is characterized by significant neurohormonal and attitudinal changes. As children grow into adolescence and become more independent, parents sometimes ask themselves about how to distinguish between newly developed, normal behaviors and new behaviors that should cause concern.
What is the Expected (Normal) Range of Adolescent Behavior?
In general terms, although teenagers no longer remain the cute, obedient children of their past, adolescents are mostly cooperative and fun to be around. Adolescents develop new skills and talents, are creative and candid, and are always searching for the truth. They are interested in advancing social causes and work hard in group settings. They also begin to display more humor, contagious energy, and compassion. However, as part of their expected development, they will also show mood swings, have a tendency to over dramatize, display impulsive behavior, and develop a strong sexual interest. They may begin to distance themselves from family and seem to display selfish behavior, engage in substance experimentation, and become argumentative.
The expected (normal) range of human behaviors is very wide. A good definition of “pathological/abnormal” behavior is based on the level of dysfunction it causes. In other words, a behavior is pathological when it impairs an individual’s appropriate ongoing functioning. Although some behaviors can be upsetting to adults, they are usually within the normal range if they are transitory and mild.
One of the most frequent parental concerns is the presence of conflict and aggression. Usual conflictive behaviors that generate parent/youth arguments include music volume, choice of attire, association with the wrong crowd, internet/phone usage, chores, and curfew. Passionate discussions in class with teachers regarding social and historical issues are not infrequent and isolated arguments at events, parties, and team rivalries are common. Usually, all of the above behaviors are transitory, mild, and tend to respond to feedback from adults.
On the next post, we will review examples of pathological conflict and what parents can do about it.
New Alliance Academy is a school in Paramus, NJ that provides educational and ancillary therapeutic services for high school teenagers experiencing acute psychological distress.