2 - Theories of Adolescent Development

Abstract

Theories of adolescence differ in the particular developmental tasks that they emphasize. This chapter presents the theories that are organized into six groups: biological, psychoanalytic, psychosocial, social–cultural, field, and cognitive theories. In general, the first four groups move in order from an emphasis on internal biological influences to an emphasis on external environmental influences. These four groups share a concern with the emotional–social–personality facets of adolescence. The final group of theories—cognitive theories—pay less attention to these areas. Work on the cognitive structures underlying adolescents' perceptions of themselves and the world is the most active area of theorizing concerning adolescence in recent years. Field theory is a blend of cognitive, social, and biological forces. The physical changes at puberty are the easily observed changes of adolescence. These theories portray the adolescent as a feeling social being, under biological and social pressure, searching for emotional stability and a meaningful sense of self.