CHARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENCE
General Changes During Adolescence:
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Rapid physical growth
Confused by physical changes
Curious about final outcome of physical changes
Rebellion against home/parents
Rebellion against home/parents
Vacillation between considerable maturity and childishness
Absorption with close friend (s) of same age and sex
Moodiness, sloppiness, and disorder
Establishing independent self: “Who am I?” “What kind of a person am I?”
Acute body – consciousness
Appearance of sexual maturity
Skin problems
Middle Adolescence (14-16)
Experimentation
- Drinking, drugs, smoking, and sexual experimentation are often of the highest
interest
Risk-Taking
- Have little concept of cause and effect
- Perceived omnipotence and invulnerability are the rule
- Unable to link drinking with auto accidents, pregnancy, or STDs
Striving for Independence
- Strong need to strive for independence and autonomy
- Frequent conflicts with parents, need confrontation and resolution
- Parental conflicts are normal and necessary
- Confide in other adolescents
Late Adolescence (17-19)
1. Rebellious and Moody
2. Concerned with personal appearance
3. Interested in opposite sex
4. Ego identity established – “Where do I fit into the world?”
5. Growth subsides: full statue nearly attained
6. Sleep and food requirements approach adult level
7. Prefer companionship when eating
8. Need acceptance by society, in job, and in college
Communication Barriers with Adolescence
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Commonly distrust adults and authority
Question whether adults actually listen to, or understand their feelings
Limit communication to avoid revealing their vulnerabilities
Typically fearful of adults asking questions
Intent upon preserving their privacy
Wish to be treated with respect and trust as young adults
Distrust parental involvement, as they fear punitive consequences may
result
Relationship Considerations
Part of relating to your mentee will be learned through trial and error in the
relationship, but there are also factors for you to consider beforehand.
-
How do I perceive myself in the many roles a mentor plays?
How well do I understand the mentee’s overall expectation for our mentoring
relationship?
In general, is my communication with him/her effective, including my nonverbal
and verbal communication?
What is my objective in this conversation?
Have I made assumptions in this conversation?
Do I give him/her enough time to respond or ask questions?
If I think I have been misunderstood, can I clarify and paraphrase?
Am I willing to set aside my agenda to listen to his/her at any time?