Period of storm and stress

Adolescence is a period of “storm and stress.” Psychologists have regarded it as a period of heightened emotionality. Continuous physical changes mainly give rise to emotional uncertainty and instability. Emotions of anger, fear, shame, disgust give rise to variation in moods, nervousness, sensitiveness, stubbornness, disobedience etc. One of the most important things that an adolescent wants is independence from the adult authority. It becomes important for the young persons to establish convictions about their identity. They develop faith in their own capability of doing things and demand self-respect from the elder members of the society. They want psychological freedom and do not like adult interference in their own personal business and they want to take decision themselves. A sense of dignity, honour and freedom prevails in their thought, attitude and behavior. Their ideas and views often appear contradictory with that of their parents and other members of the society. At many times, therefore, the adolescent suffer from emotional detachment from their parents and other members of the society. Thus emotional immaturity is a major problem of adolescence. All these changes often lead to confusion, feeling of inadequacy, insecurity and in some cases abnormal behavior. All these emotions must be properly guided and they should be provided knowledge to control their emotions at this stage.