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Families With Adolescents: Are We Trying to Counsel Normal Behavior?

Authors :
Walsh, William M.
Paulson, Sharon E.
Source :
Family Journal. Apr94, Vol. 2 Issue 2, p149-156. 8p.
Publication Year :
1994

Abstract

The article focuses on families with adolescents. A case study of a fictitious character named Vince Chandler, a 13-year-old boy has been presented. Chandler had been referred to for the medical evaluation of problems related to school grades and behavior. The first reaction towards the case study of Chandler was that he was a normal adolescent, using healthy adaptation strategies with respect to his family and school. Early views about adolescence were plagued with the assumptions that the adolescent period should be filled with turmoil and familial conflict and be marked by diminished closeness to parents. This storm and stress perspective sparked a tremendous increase in the empirical research on adolescents, which eventually led to a change in the view of adolescent behavior in the family. Current research does not support the notion that adolescence is a tumultuous or troublesome period of development. Instead, it supports the view that adolescence is a period of change and adaptation and is successfully navigated with relatively little turmoil by most adolescents. It is true that adolescence is marked by an increase in familial conflict and a decrease in emotional attachment to parents.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10664807
Volume :
2
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Family Journal
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
9702240390