Mary And Stacey Are Seniors At Silver State High School

Mary And Stacey Are Seniors At Silver State High School They Have Bee

Mary and Stacey are seniors at Silver State High School. They have been friends since the second grade. Stacey called Mary on Saturday evening and asked her to take her home because she could not find her car. Mary knows that her best friend has been drinking excessively over the past three months. She has been withdrawing from Mary and gravitating toward her new friends, who party every weekend with alcohol and marijuana. Mary decided to pick her up because she did not want her friend hurt. While taking Stacey home, Mary tried to talk to her about her drinking and drug use. Stacey became very defensive and stated that Mary was now sounding like her parents.

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The dynamics of adolescent social influence are complex, especially when risky behaviors such as excessive drinking and drug use are involved. In the case of Stacey, her behavior reflects a critical transitional phase where peer influence often supersedes familial ties and established friendships. At this stage of her development, it appears that her new peers hold a more influential role in her life than her parents or her longtime friend Mary. This shift in social allegiance is common during adolescence, as teens seek autonomy and a sense of belonging (Steinberg, 2014).

Stacey’s increasing withdrawal from Mary and her gravitation towards new friends engaging in partying suggest her prioritization of peer acceptance over her previous close relationships. Adolescents often value peer approval highly, sometimes even over familial approval, because peers provide a sense of identity and social validation (Brown et al., 2008). Furthermore, her defensiveness during Mary’s attempt to discuss her substance use indicates a resistance to acknowledging the problem, a typical adolescent reaction rooted in denial or fear of losing social status (Simmons & Blyth, 1987). Therefore, at this point, Stacey's new peers are more influential due to their immediate presence and the emotional validation they offer, contrasting with her more distant relationship with her parents.

To enact positive change in Stacey’s mindset, both her parents and her best friend, Mary, can employ strategies rooted in supportive communication and intervention. Her parents could engage in open, nonjudgmental dialogues that emphasize concern for Stacey’s well-being rather than blame or punishment (Hawkins et al., 1992). Parental monitoring and setting clear boundaries about substance use, coupled with active listening, can help Stacey feel supported and understood rather than attacked. Additionally, involving school counselors or trained mental health professionals can facilitate counseling sessions where Stacey explores her feelings and reasons behind her choices, fostering intrinsic motivation to change (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

Similarly, Mary can continue to serve as a positive influence by maintaining her supportive stance, demonstrating concern through consistent, non-confrontational communication. Peer influence can be harnessed positively by encouraging Stacey to participate in extracurricular activities or peer support groups that promote healthy behaviors and provide alternative social networks (Wills et al., 2001). It is crucial that Mary remains compassionate and understanding, avoiding the temptation to shame Stacey, which could further entrench her in her current behaviors.

The progression from delinquent behavior to criminal activity is a significant concern if Stacey’s substance abuse and associated risky behaviors persist. Early engagement in delinquent acts such as underage drinking or marijuana use can escalate to more serious offenses like theft, vandalism, or assault if unaddressed (Hawkins et al., 2000). Substance abuse impairs judgment, reduces impulse control, and exacerbates behavioral problems, potentially leading adolescents into criminal circles where further deviant behaviors can occur (Welsh et al., 2010). Moreover, peer groups involved in delinquency can reinforce criminal behaviors, creating a cycle difficult to break without intervention.

Preventative measures include fostering strong family bonds, providing access to mental health treatment, and implementing community programs targeting at-risk youth (Fagan & Van Horn, 2017). Education on the consequences of criminal activities and developing decision-making skills can empower adolescents to resist peer pressure and make healthier choices. Early intervention, coupled with positive social support, remains vital in preventing the trajectory from delinquency to criminality (Loeber & Farrington, 2001).

In conclusion, Stacey’s current peer relationships significantly influence her behavior during adolescence, often overshadowing familial bonds. Supportive and proactive involvement from family and friends, combined with professional intervention, can help steer her away from risky behaviors that could lead to criminal conduct. Recognizing the developmental needs and social influences at play is essential for guiding Stacey towards healthier future choices.

References

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