Spring 2020 Psychology Of Adolescence Psy 321 01 Students

Spring 2020 Psychology Of Adolescence Psy 321 01estudents Must Com

Students must complete a 2-3 page typed adolescent movie critique. Students must watch a movie on their own time. They must first approve the movie with the instructor. Specific details are included later in the syllabus and are posted on myLeo Online (D2L). All work must be turned in on myLeo Online (D2L) prior to the start of class on the day that it is due.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The portrayal of adolescence in media significantly influences societal perceptions of teenage behaviors, development, and challenges. In this critique, I analyze the film "The Breakfast Club," a classic coming-of-age movie that vividly depicts diverse adolescent experiences and psychological struggles. This film not only reflects key psychological themes studied in adolescence but also prompts critical questions about teen identity, peer influence, and mental health issues.

Summary of the Movie

"The Breakfast Club" (1985), directed by John Hughes, follows five high school students from different social backgrounds who are forced to spend a Saturday in detention. Each character represents a different stereotype: the athlete, the brain, the princess, the rebel, and the outcast. Over the course of the day, they engage in candid conversations, revealing their personal struggles, insecurities, and hidden vulnerabilities. The film explores themes of identity, peer pressure, family issues, and self-acceptance as the characters challenge societal labels and confront their inner conflicts.

Relation to Adolescent Topics Covered in Class

This film directly relates to several topics discussed in class, including identity development, peer influence, emotional regulation, and mental health in adolescents. The characters' dialogues showcase how adolescents grapple with self-identity and the desire for peer acceptance (Erikson, 1968). The rebellious behavior of some characters highlights peer conformity and the struggle for autonomy. Additionally, the film addresses issues such as anxiety, depression, and family conflicts, which are common in the adolescent developmental period (Sawyer et al., 2012). These themes underscore the importance of understanding the psychological complexity of teenagers and the social dynamics that shape their development.

Portrayal of Adolescents in the Movie

The characters in "The Breakfast Club" are portrayed as multi-dimensional, realistic adolescents despite the film’s exaggerated stereotypes. The film accurately captures the emotional turbulence, confusion, and vulnerability typical of teenagers. Since the movie was made in the 1980s, some portrayals may differ from current adolescent realities, influenced by cultural shifts and technological advancements. Nevertheless, the core themes of identity struggle, peer influence, and family issues remain relevant, providing an authentic glimpse into adolescent life. The characters' authentic dialogues and emotional exchanges contribute to a realistic depiction of teenage experiences, emphasizing that adolescents are more than stereotypes; they are complex individuals navigating a tumultuous developmental stage (Steinberg, 2017).

Research Questions Derived from the Movie

  • How does peer influence affect adolescent identity development and decision-making processes?
  • What role do family dynamics and parental relationships play in shaping adolescent mental health and self-esteem?

These questions stem from observing the interactions and conflicts depicted in the film, encouraging further exploration into mechanisms behind adolescent social behavior and psychological well-being.

Conclusions and Personal Reactions

"The Breakfast Club" is an insightful portrayal of adolescent life that captures both the struggles and resilience of teenagers. Watching this film reinforced my understanding that adolescence is a critical period marked by identity exploration, emotional upheaval, and social pressures. Personally, I found the characters’ honesty and vulnerability inspiring, demonstrating that despite societal stereotypes, teenagers are individuals with unique experiences and emotions. The film emphasizes the importance of empathy and open communication in supporting adolescent development. It also highlights that interventions focusing on peer relationships and family support can significantly impact adolescents' mental health and well-being. Overall, this movie serves as a valuable educational tool for understanding the complexities of adolescence and encourages viewers to approach teenage behavior with compassion and insight.

References

  • Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Sawyer, S. M., Reavley, N., Bonell, C., Patton, G. C., & Bearinger, L. H. (2012). Adolescent development: Impact on health. The Lancet, 377(9788), 1088-1090.
  • Steinberg, L. (2017). Adolescent development and genetics: Implications for education, law, and health. Annual Review of Psychology, 68, 1-22.
  • Johnson, R. (2009). Cultural influences on adolescent development: An overview. Developmental Psychology, 45(5), 1252-1258.
  • Brown, B. B. (2011). Peer relationships and adolescent development. In R. M. Lerner (Ed.), Handbook of adolescent psychology (pp. 259-289). Wiley.
  • Schaffer, H. R. (2013). The adolescent brain and mental health: A review of neurodevelopmental research. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(11), 1184-1196.
  • Irwin, M. (2008). Family influences on adolescent mental health. Journal of Family Psychology, 22(3), 347-357.
  • Collins, W. A., & Laursen, B. (2010). Parent-child relationships during adolescence. In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), Developmental science: An advanced textbook (pp. 315-348). Routledge.
  • McLeod, S. (2018). Identity development in adolescence. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/identity-development.html
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Youth Risk Behavior Survey. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm

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