Evaluate The Available Evidence On Social Emotion

Evaluate The Available Evidence On The Social Emotion

Your task is to evaluate the available evidence on the social, emotional, psychological, biological, and behavioural changes that occur during adolescence and emerging adulthood that may explain their increased vulnerability to specific problems and/or behaviour choices. Of course, not all adolescents engage in problematic behaviour or make unwise life-style choices, therefore, when discussing the possible causes of change occurring in this age group you should consider any distinctive cultural practices or cultural beliefs that may act as protective mechanisms for young people. Arnett (2018) argues that an interrogation of cultural beliefs and their influence is necessary in order to gain a fuller understanding of developmental changes in adolescents and emerging adults.

Paper For Above instruction

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are critical developmental periods characterized by profound social, emotional, psychological, biological, and behavioural changes. These transformations contribute significantly to an individual's increased vulnerability to certain problems and risky behaviours. A comprehensive evaluation of the available evidence suggests that these changes are interconnected and influenced heavily by both intrinsic developmental processes and extrinsic environmental factors, including cultural contexts (Steinberg, 2014).

Biologically, adolescence involves significant brain development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, which govern decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These neurobiological modifications often result in heightened emotional responses and a propensity for risk-taking behaviors (Giedd, 2015). Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations during puberty influence mood and behaviour, potentially conferring vulnerability to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression (Harden et al., 2017). Emerging adulthood, characterized by further neural maturation, continues this trajectory but also introduces new challenges associated with independence, identity formation, and peer influence.

Psychologically, adolescents experience increased sensitivity to social evaluation and a heightened need for peer acceptance, which can lead to conformity and susceptibility to peer pressure. These emotional shifts align with the developmental tasks of identity exploration and autonomy, often resulting in experimentation with risky behaviours like substance use, reckless driving, or unprotected sexual activity (Arnett, 2018). The social context plays a pivotal role here; supportive environments and protective cultural practices can mitigate these risks, whereas exposure to adverse circumstances can exacerbate vulnerabilities.

Socially, the peer group becomes a primary influence during adolescence, affecting behavioural choices and emotional well-being. The desire for peer approval often results in heightened emotional reactions and risky behaviour engagement, especially when cultural norms endorse or stigmatize certain behaviours. Cultural beliefs and practices may serve protective functions by emphasizing familial ties, community involvement, and tradition, which can buffer against risky external influences (Kim & Omori, 2020). Conversely, cultures emphasizing individualism and autonomy may foster independence but sometimes at the expense of increased vulnerability to risky behaviours.

Cultural influences are integral in shaping how adolescents perceive risks and consequences. For example, collectivist cultures often encourage adherence to community and family expectations, which can act as protective mechanisms against problematic behaviors. In contrast, individualistic cultures, which prioritize personal achievement and independence, might inadvertently foster environments conducive to risk-taking during adolescence and emerging adulthood (Arnett, 2018). Therefore, understanding developmental changes in these age groups requires an interrogation of cultural beliefs and practices to fully grasp their influence on vulnerability and resilience.

In conclusion, adolescence and emerging adulthood are marked by complex, multidimensional changes that influence behaviour and mental health. Biological brain development, emotional sensitivities, social influences, and cultural contexts all interplay to increase vulnerability to certain problems and risky choices. Recognizing the protective role of cultural practices and beliefs is essential for developing targeted interventions that support healthy development during these critical years.

References

• Arnett, J. J. (2018). Developing adolescents: A reference for professionals. Routledge.
• Giedd, J. N. (2015). The amazing teen brain. Scientific American, 312(6), 30-37.
• Harden, K. P., et al. (2017). Neural systems promoting adolescent risk-taking in socioemotional contexts. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 27, 156-168.
• Kim, J., & Omori, M. (2020). Cultural influences on adolescent risk behaviors. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 49(4), 834-848.
• Steinberg, L. (2014). Youth risk behavior and developmental considerations. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43(6), 955-964.