Psychological Milestones in Teenagers

Increased Autonomy

• During adolescence, teenagers develop an increased desire to separate themselves from the family unit and exert autonomy. While this might manifest itself through rebellious behavior such as breaking curfew or family rules, this is simply the way that teenagers explore their ability to act as autonomous beings. This autonomy-driven behavior generally culminates at the end of adolescence, when the teen moves out of the family home to work or attend college.

Peer-centered Behavior

• Teenagers often place more value on their peers̵7; perceptions than the opinions of their parents and other family members. This is yet another component of teenagers̵7; desire to achieve independence and autonomy. This behavior typically begins in early adolescence and lasts into an individual's early 20s. Ultimately, this behavior psychologically prepares adolescents to separate from the family and form their own social group and later, their own family.

Development of Empathy

• Children often lack the capacity to empathize with others in the same manner as adults. This is why children, young teens and even some older teens often act self-centered or disregard the needs of others. Part of this self-centered behavior is biological; teenagers simply lack the same cognitive capacity for empathy as adults. Toward late adolescence, that changes and teenagers are able to see problems from others̵7; perspectives, according to the American Psychological Association. Older teenagers often take an interest in social problems and are able to put others̵7; needs ahead of their own.

Identity Establishment

• One of the primary psychological milestones of adolescence is developing one̵7;s distinct identity. In early and mid-adolescence, this might mean that your adolescent shifts ideas about herself rapidly. Sometimes, these identity changes are responses to peers̵7; cultural and social roles. Other times, the adolescent simply wants to try out other worldviews or lifestyles that interest her. According to the Early Head Start National Resource Center, by the time the child reaches late adolescence, her identity will stabilize and she will develop a clear sense of who she is and how she fits in with her family, peers and society.