Blog 2

            In the readings for the week, I found a couple of important connections between Corey and Corey (2008) and Steinberg (2008).  The first, and most obvious, is the growth and development aspect mentioned in both pieces of text.  Steinberg (2008) studied risk taking in adolescents compared to children and adults.  Through his research, he made important findings about the biological growth that adolescents are experiencing and how it relates to their behaviors.  According to Sternberg (2008), risk taking is heightened when adolescents are either around their peers or believe their peers are watching the decisions that they make. This was highlighted in the videogame experiment where adolescents made riskier choices only when they were with their friends (Steinberg, 2008, pg. 91).  When they were alone, their choices were no less risky than the decisions the adults made.  Corey and Corey (2008) also focused on the importance of peer groups in adolescence, even stating that they “can be the most influential and positive force in a teenager’s life (Corey and Corey, 2008, pg. 62).”  During adolescence, teens may value the their social network over their family and thus may be more influenced by pressure or perceived pressure they have to blend in with or impress their peers.

            Even though both pieces of text support the same idea that peer groups are very important during the adolescence stage of development, this information feels useless to me if I am unable to learn how to better help this age group with potential conflicts.  Steinberg (2008) argued that the structure that allows access to risk-taking behaviors should be adjusted.  He basically contended that nothing could be done to change the drive some adolescents have to engage in risky behaviors, yet he did gloss over one helpful factor.  Steinberg (2008) mentioned that kids who have authoritative parents tend to engage in less risky behaviors.  The positive impact authoritative parents can have on their children is consistent with Corey and Corey (2008) who stated that this type of parenting “is associated with the most positive behavioral traits in childhood and development (Corey and Corey, 2008, pg. 51).”  The correlation between authoritative parenting and both positive behaviors and less risk-taking leads me to believe that more can be done to decrease risk-taking beyond merely structural solutions.  Maybe a counselor, relative or other adult role model could provide the needed support for adolescents to make more responsible choices.

            Both readings allowed me to think back to when I was a teen and the pressure I felt to impress my peer groups.  Even though I wore Abercrombie to look more stylish and occasionally made a mean or inappropriate comment for attention, I did not engage in many risk-taking behaviors. I attribute my mostly positive behaviors to my parents for setting appropriate boundaries and allowing me to feel accepted.  I was able to make mistakes and learn from them and I believe that led to greater self-regulation.

Corey, G. & COrey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Exploration in personal growth (9th Edition). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole

Steinberg, L. (2008). A social neuroscience perspective on adolescent risk-taking. Development Review, 28, 78-106