adolescent psychology chapter 7

what do adolescents have more free time due to

compulsory education and increased affluence

what plays a critical role in identity development and social learning.

leisure time

when was their a rise in adolescent work

1970s

when was their a decline in adolescent work and what caused it

in the 21st century due to academics, extracurriculars, and adult competition for jobs.

Working long hours is associated with:

• increased substance use, aggression, school misconduct

• Lower school engagement and academic performance

  • Disruption of family relationships

what amount of hours worked does not show significant negative effects

Working fewer than 20 hours/week

what does participation in extracurriculars lead to

higher academic performance, college attendance, and lower rates of delinquency

what do Emotional and social development benefits depend on

adult mentorship and peer interactions.

Cultivation Theory:

Media shapes adolescents' worldviews by presenting a consistent message (e.g., TV violence leads to fear of real-world violence).

Uses and Gratifications Approach:

Adolescents actively select media based on individual preferences and psychological needs (e.g., choosing media that reflects their identity).

Media Practice Model:

Media influence depends on how adolescents interact with and interpret what they see—emphasizes a feedback loop between identity and media use

examples of Exposure to Controversial Media

• violent games, pornography, alcohol ads.

positive effects of Social Media and Screen Time

Connection, identity development, access to information.

negative effects of Social Media and Screen Time

Excessive use linked to poor mental and physical health; less physical activity

Parental Role in Social Media and Screen Time

Monitoring and discussing media use is more effective than restricting it.

Spurious Causation

Relationship in which the correlation between two things is due to the fact that each of them is correlated with some third factor.

structured leisure

clubs ran at school or sports leagues

unstructured leisure

such as hanging out with friends

positive youth development

The goal of programs designed to facilitate healthy psychosocial development and not simply to deter problematic development.

pros of adolescent employment

• Can build responsibility, independence, and time-management skills—especially in jobs that allow for autonomy and skill use.

• May promote financial literacy and self-efficacy.

• Some teens report feeling more adult-like and mature due to employment.

cons of adolescent employment

• Working more than 20 hours a week is associated with:

  • Increased risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol and drug use).

  • Lower academic performance, reduced school engagement.

  • Increased fatigue and reduced time for extracurricular activities and sleep.

• Teens often spend earnings on leisure items, not saving or family support, which limits the developmental benefits.

• Few adolescent jobs provide opportunities for career development or skill acquisition

How does extracurricular participation affect adolescent development?

• Do better academically.

• Be more likely to attend college.

• Exhibit lower rates of delinquency, drug use, and mental health problems.

• Activities provide adult supervision, help develop skills, and connect adolescents with prosocial peer groups.

• Long-term participation is particularly beneficial for identity formation and leadership development

What is the evidence regarding screen time and adolescent well-being?

high amounts of screen time is linked to Increased depression and anxiety, especially among girls and Lower levels of physical activity.

How have social and economic changes influenced teen leisure over the last century?

In the early 20th century, Adolescents entered the workforce early, often with little schooling. in post WWII there was a Rise in compulsory education and affluence allowed more free time. in present day Adolescents spend more time on media, socializing, and extracurriculars, Less time working compared to past decades, and Leisure is now a major context for identity exploration and peer interaction.