Human Growth And Development: The Role Of Peer Relationships

Human Growth And Development The Role Of Peer Relationships Through T

Human Growth And Development The Role Of Peer Relationships Through T

HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (the role of peer relationships through the lifespan. play supports development. education impacts social development Topic: Movies and teen pressures. Do movies accurately portray the struggles of teens? To prepare for this Discussion: · View one of the movies from the list below. Movie Options: · Thirteen · Kids · Menace II Society · The Breakfast Club · Dazed and Confused · Rebel without a Cause · Pleasantville · Mean Girls By Wednesday at 11:59pm respond to the following: · Provide a brief summary of the movie you selected. · Does this movie offer an accurate depiction of adolescence? · What themes are represented throughout the film that is discussed in your text on the development of identity and psychosocial development? · How is peer influence depicted? What does current research say about the social influences of peers? At what age does peer influence peak? · How do parenting styles affect the adolescent characters? Share any personal thoughts, not on the acting within the film, but on the issues presented in the film. Research: Make sure you are reinforcing your stance with valid explanation, relevant research and personal insights. Reference: List at least one resource (not including your textbook) to substantiate your stance.

Paper For Above instruction

Adolescence is a critical period marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social development. The portrayal of adolescent struggles in media provides an insightful lens into the challenges faced by teenagers today. For this analysis, I have selected the film "The Breakfast Club," a classic teen movie that explores the complexities of high school social dynamics. This film offers an authentic depiction of adolescence by showcasing diverse student archetypes that grapple with identity, peer pressure, and personal concerns, which are central themes discussed in developmental psychology literature.

"The Breakfast Club" follows five high school students from different social groups who are required to spend a Saturday in detention. Throughout the film, each character reveals vulnerabilities and pressures related to their social roles, family backgrounds, and personal insecurities. The film captures the essence of adolescent identity formation and the psychosocial conflicts detailed by Erik Erikson, particularly the stage of identity versus role confusion. The characters’ interactions depict the fluidity of social identity and the influence of peer groups in shaping individual self-concepts.

Peer influence is vividly depicted in the film through the characters' shifting alliances, confessions, and mutual support. Initially, students segregated by social stereotypes eventually bond over shared struggles, illustrating the powerful role of peer relationships in adolescent development. Current research emphasizes that peer influence becomes particularly salient during early to mid-adolescence, peaking around ages 14 to 16. During this period, peer approval becomes vital, impacting behavior, decision-making, and self-esteem (Steinberg, 2014). This aligns with the film’s portrayal, where peer acceptance and peer-driven conflicts drive much of the characters’ actions.

Parenting styles significantly influence the adolescents depicted in "The Breakfast Club." The characters’ backgrounds reveal a spectrum from authoritative parenting, promoting open communication, to neglectful or authoritarian styles that contribute to internal conflicts and rebellious behavior. For instance, Bender’s rebelliousness can be linked to a neglectful or authoritarian upbringing, which fosters defiance and emotional distress, consistent with research that connects parenting styles to adolescent adjustment (Baumrind, 1991).

In my personal view, "The Breakfast Club" provides a nuanced portrayal of issues such as identity, peer pressure, and emotional regulation that are prevalent during adolescence. It highlights how peer relationships can serve both as sources of support and sources of peer pressure. The film underscores the importance of understanding adolescent development within a social context, aligning with developmental theories that emphasize the influence of social environments on identity formation.

In conclusion, movies like "The Breakfast Club" offer valuable insights into teenage struggles, accurately depicting the complexities of adolescent development. They serve as educational tools that can foster empathy and better understanding of peer and parental influences during this critical life stage. Recognizing the importance of peer relationships and parenting styles helps inform strategies for supporting healthy adolescent development and navigating the pressures associated with this stage of life.

References

• Baumrind, D. (1991). The Influence of Parenting Style on Adolescent Competence and Substance Use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.
• Steinberg, L. (2014). Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the New Science of Adolescence. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Brown, B. B. (2004). Adolescents' Relationships with Peers. In R. M. Lerner & L. Steinberg (Eds.), Handbook of Adolescent Psychology (pp. 363-394). Wiley.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.
• Wentzel, K. R. (2005). Peer Relationships, Motivation, and Academic Performance at School. In A. Wigfield & J. S. Eccles (Eds.), Development of achievement motivation (pp. 261-286). Academic Press.
• Steinberg, L., & Monahan, K. C. (2007). Age Differences in Resistance to Peer Influence. Developmental Psychology, 43(6), 1531-1543.
• Collins, W. A., & Laursen, B. (2004). Parent-Child Relationships During Adolescence. In R. M. Lerner & L. Steinberg (Eds.), Handbook of Adolescent Psychology (pp. 225-254). Wiley.
• Harris, J. R. (1995). The Nurture Assumption: Why Children Turn Out the Way They Do. Touchstone.
• Lerner, R. M. (2002). Concepts and Theories of Human Development. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.