Aspects of adolescent egocentrism

Aspects of adolescence egocentrism As children continue to develop into the school years their view of themselves and others around them begins to change. During early childhood children are usually quite egocentric and often relate to the world around them through their own lens, as they do not easily think in hypothetical terms (Berger, 2008). This phenomenon was coined centration (Berger, 2008). Around the age of seven, early childhood egocentrism takes a shift. It is at this age when children begin to develop a more complex mind and can begin to think abstractly and hypothetically regarding events as well as the feelings and thoughts of others (Berger, 2008). The opinions of others do not affect young children nearly as much as they do seven to eleven year-olds. This is the age of judgment which children begin judging others, judging themselves, and contemplating how others are judging them (Berger, 2008). This phase can be extremely difficult for some children though it also can teach children to behave in a more socially conducive way (Berger, 2008). The complex social bonds and friendships often developed in middle childhood help pave the way for the further social and personal developments which will occur through adolescence (Berger, 2008). The mind of a teenager is much more complex their younger counterpart’s though it remain structurally similar (Artar, 2007). As early and middle childhood children have difficulty foreseeing the experiential view point of others, so do teenagers (Artar, 2007). Teenagers are quite concerned with how others perceive them so are younger children, though because the teenager can engage in formal operational thoughts, they are capable, and more likely, to be empathic toward others in general (Artar, 2007). When it comes to empathy, teenagers are most empathetic and understanding toward their parents and family members and less so toward their peers (Artar, 2007). The teenage psyche is still quite egocentric just as is the child of middle childhood. The difference, a teenager’s capacity for empathy is continually expanding, this will in turn help continue to shed them of their egocentrism (Berger, 2008). Peer Pressure-Sexuality One of the most common pressures a teen is faced with is dating and sexuality. In today’s society the pressure of dating does not come just from friends. The urge to date can come from various outlets such as movies and the Internet (Kittredge, 2000). The pressure to have a boyfriend or girlfriend and to be sexually active can be quite burdensome. It has throughout the years, been shown teens are more willingly to conform to prosocial behavior (what their friends are doing) than antisocial behavior (Brown, 1986). They may feel like an outcast if they do not start dating because their friends have boyfriends or girlfriends. Girls often feel pressured to dress more risqué than they had in the past. Teens are often pressured into feeling as if they do not have sex, they will get labeled; boys are looked down upon for not having sex and girls are undatable if they do not put out. These pressures can add unnecessary stress to his or her life. As a teenager, dating is not always about the physical aspects such as having sex (Berger, 2007). Teenagers date for emotional stability and social acceptance. The bonds and experiences which take place throughout these years will play roles in relationships they will develop later in life (Berger, 2007).