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Chapter 1. Identity and development: BECOMING WHO YOU ARE CALLED TO BE. ADOLESCENCE. Begins with the physical event of puberty , which results in our capable to reproducing sexually. Ends with our gaining social status as an adult at about the age of twenty.
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Chapter 1 Identity and development: BECOMING WHO YOU ARE CALLED TO BE
ADOLESCENCE Begins with the physical event of puberty, which results in our capable to reproducing sexually. Ends with our gaining social status as an adult at about the age of twenty. In this stage, most ninth graders are changing dramatically on all levels of life…
Dramatic Changes in Adolescence Physically Emotionally Intellectually Socially Spiritually Even though we can talk about these separately, we do not experience them that way. They can all be mixed together in a person’s life.
We Are More Than Our Body • In early adolescence, our body is everything. • This, however, does not make us who we are. • Buckminster Fuller— “We are more than our bodies” • We have intelligence • Emotions • We dream • We interact socially • We love • We do all these things regardless of the shape of our bodies • In fact, the traits that make us truly human—creatures unique among all forms of life---are not dependant on our physical appearance.
Made in the Image of God Book of Genesis—tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of God. God created us all unique, to be individuals, to love Him and live in his community.
CRUCIAL TASKS OF ADOLESCENCE Developmental tasks of adolescence—tasks that are required of young people to move from adolescence to adulthood. The development of a capacity for friendship The development of a healthy sexual identity The development of a more mature parent-child relationship
The Development of a Capacity for Friendship • Adolescent’s deepening capacity for friendship is at the heart of their growth to adulthood; • Learn the skills of friendship • Learn the understanding of how to be a good friend • Learn how to establish and maintain relationships (spouse, parent, etc) • Interrelated to the other two developmental tasks
The Development of a Healthy Sexual Identity • Acceptance of one’s own body as well as the bodies of others, also called sexual maturity. • As soon as there is that self-acceptance, you will able to relate sexually in ways that are positive, caring and responsible • Sexual maturity also involves; • Emotional maturity • Communication skills • Developing trust • Care deeply without controlling
The Development of a more Mature Parent-Child Relationship • Young children depend on their parent for survival; • Food • Clothing • Shelter • Affection • Adolescents—want to assume more personal responsibility • There can problems within this transition; • Young people value freedom • Parents value security • Misunderstanding and lack of communication can break-down relationships
Finding Answers to Life’s Longings In the Catholic Christian vision, it is no accident that we are full of aches and longings. We were created by God with a built-in longing for happiness. And we will be restless until we find happiness. That “ache” is there for a reason, God’s “reason”, so that we will search for true happiness. Unfortunately North American society offers many short-cuts to happiness.
Society’s Answers The society we live in provides us with illusions of happiness, things that are not real. Society offers us their “answers” to fulfillment through; Popularity Consumerism Individualism Immediate Gratification Sexual Permissiveness Technological Fixes
Popularity The message we often get from our society is that popularity is the answer to filling the ache in us. If we can just fit in and win everyone else’s approval, the ache in us will be healed. What is wrong with this thinking?
2. Consumerism The attitude that acquiring unlimited material possessions is the key to fulfillment is called consumerism. Society and advertising tells us that new products will bring us happiness. Young people are major targets of advertisers, who pressure them to buy everything from junk food to brand name clothes to the newest cellphone.
3. Individualism • “Look out for yourself” is another answer to life’s longing that we often hear from society. • It can be positive; • A commitment to the dignity and rights of the individual • Contribute to the world only if you have taken the time to grow and develop as an individual. • When it is carried too far, a sense of responsibility to others and to the community of others is lost.
4. Immediate Gratification Immediate Gratification means that we want and expect our needs to be met right now. This inability to be patient has harmful effects on human relationships.
5. Sexual Permissiveness The belief that loneliness and longing will go away if we just find sexual satisfaction. This message is often portrayed by advertising and the media. Sex is used to sell products as varied as soda and cars. This negative approach to sexuality is reflected in the epidemic problem of teenage pregnancy—more than one million teenage girl become pregnant each year. Tragic effects—abortions, STD’s, AIDS
6. Technological Fixes The belief that technology will take care of our every need and all of our problems. “Techno-addiction”
The Need to be Critical During adolescence, people become intellectually capable of evaluating and criticizing everything… In effective criticism, we take something we have learned, and turn it over in our minds and question it. In the process, we may find that our previous understanding needs to be updated.
New Questions • Adolescence is the period when you can be reflective about life because you are capable of reflection (careful thought or meditation). • Now more than ever you may reflect on the aches and longings that never seem to go away, that eternal quest for happiness. • Now more than ever you may be able to go beyond the shallow answers to life’s longings offered by society • You may ask new questions like; • Why am I here? What’s the purpose of my life? • Is there a God? And if so, does he care for me?
Our Heart is Restless • We are made for union with God in this life and forever. • All our longing for happiness point finally to the One who created us out of love and set us forth on this joyous, wonder-filled journey. • St. Augustine was the man who recognized this. • Today he is considered one of the greatest thinkers and leaders in the history of Christianity. • “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless unless it rests in you.”