Psychological Changes

Puberty is often considered to be a stormy period because the child suddenly develops a sex drive and its horizons broaden. This generates anxiety and may provoke defensive behaviour, which may, in extreme cases, lead to delinquency. The more common reaction is conflict or defiance towards adult authority as with parents and teachers.

Day dreaming, as a means through which gratification of frustrated needs is achieved, increases during this period of life. It may be difficult to accept, but this is normal behaviour. It is imperative that there is some understanding on both sides. Teenagers must try to appreciate the difficulty which adults experience in understanding adolescents.

Because of the rapid changes inside the body and consequent emotional reaction, the adolescent has a natural inclination to withdraw from all problems and therefore, from others. This is the time when one's innate urge to seek human company can help greatly. The adolescent should make every effort to take part in the social activities of school or college, such as dramatics, sports, debates, social service, scouts etc.

During this period, there is a strong natural desire to read love stories and books that narrate sexual acts explicitly. Though there is no harm in reading such literature, to do so exclusively tends to make escapism attractive. It reduces the determination to face the daily problems and limits the mental horizons.

(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)