Lesson 24: The Myths and Realities of Storm and Stress

Attention

Teenagers often turn to their peers for support and understanding of what they may feel are unique feelings. Aside from that, I thought this old cartoon was hilarious!

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

• Debate the current thought on the validity of the "Storm and Stress" model of adolescence

Teaching

From what we see portrayed in books, movies, and television shows...adolescence must be a pretty unhappy place full of turmoil and conflict. While some of this may exist, it is largely NOT the case when we look at the data.

G. Stanley Hall (1904) is quoted as saying that adolescence is a stage of "storm and stress" and this has occupied the minds of psychologists for a long time.

Storm and Stress is constituted of three factors:

• heightened conflict with parents
• mood disruptions
• risk behavior

New research, taking into consideration individual differences and culture, seem to be shedding a different light on the issue. We will review an article on this topic below.

Arnett, J.J. (1999) Adolescent storm and stress, reconsidered. American Psychologist. 54(5). 317-326.
Click HERE to download the article

Assessment

Possible In-class Discussion

Based on the Arnett article, cite examples from your own experience as to the adolescent experience. Discuss how variations in parenting, expectations, schools, friends, etc. play a role in the experience of adolescence.