Adolescent Psychology
Alana Enoch
Tel: (01267) 676933
E-mail: a.enoch@trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk
Stuart Jones
Tel: (01267) 676697
E-mail: s.jones@trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk
Adolescence represents the stage of growth between childhood and adulthood. It is a period that offers an array of biological and emotional transformations. This can be both an exciting and turbulent time. It is a time of rage and confusion, excitement and exploration as well as a time of repression and suppression in some cases. It is the time an individual sees himself or herself as a separate person out in the world. Therefore, many important aspects of personality development such as identity formation, moral development and sexual orientation get finalized during this phase.
Adolescents often face changes that lead to certain types of behaviours such as maturity in body, which leads to a curiosity about sexual activities; a tendency to experiment with drug and alcohol use, which may lead to addiction or criminal behaviour; peer pressure, which may lead to a loss of identity or emotional insecurity.
Students studying the Graduate Certificate in Adolescent Psychology will have the opportunity to explore a range of these issues. To understand how and why adolescence go through these psychological and biological transitions. The course helps us to understand the adolescent better and using research to that relay some of the stereotypes associated with this stage of life.
The course will investigate the following areas associated with adolescence:
- Historical developments
- Biological development
- Psychological characteristics
- Social characteristics
- Changes in the self, family, and peer group
The course is aimed at those who are involved with young people during their adolescent period, for example, professionals in secondary and tertiary education, youth and community work and youth justice, and other professions. The course may also be of interest to those who may wish to pursue a career involving young people.
