Late High School Years and Beyond
Parents are often worried or confused by changes in their teenagers. The following information should help parents understand this phase of development. Each teenager is an individual with a unique personality and special interests, likes and dislikes. However, there are also numerous developmental issues that everyone faces during the adolescent years. The normal feelings and behaviors of the late high school adolescent are described below.
Movement towards Independence
Increased independent functioning
Firmer and more cohesive sense of identity
Examination of inner experiences
Ability to think ideas through
Conflict with parents begins to decrease
Increased ability for delayed gratification and compromise
Increased emotional stability
Increased concern for others
Increased self-reliance
Peer relationships remain important and take an appropriate place among other interests
Future Interests and Cognitive Changes
Work habits become more defined
Increased concern for the future
More importance is placed on one’s role in life
Feelings of love and passion
Development of more serious relationships
Firmer sense of sexual identity
Increased capacity for tender and sensual love
Morals, Values, and Self-Direction
Greater capacity for setting goals
Interest in moral reasoning
Capacity to use insight
Increased emphasis on personal dignity and self-esteem
Social and cultural traditions regain some of their previous importance
Older teenagers do vary slightly from the above descriptions, but the feelings and
behaviors are, in general, considered normal for each stage of adolescence.
Source: www.aacap.org