Behaviour Management in Adolescence could be about clear rules, warm relationships and understanding in short but it is much more than that. As G. Stanley Hall said, “ Adolescence is a period full of storm, stress, strain and strike”. A thorough understanding of what makes one’s behaviour is the first step to learn Behaviour management in general.
Behaviour
Behaviour is how someone acts. It is what a person does to make something happen, to make something change, or keep things the same.
Behaviour is a response to things that are happening: internally – thoughts and feelings. Externally – the environment including other people. In short, behaviour is the range of actions and mannerisms individuals make.
Development
i) Congenital – innate behaviour – “Genes” – A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity, made up of DNA. Genes influence each individual’s behavioural and psychological characteristics.
ii) Through learning – learned behaviours. Humans learn through their experiences by associating a stimulus with either a reward or a punishment.
Learning of a behaviour – Four ways
i) Habituation – The process of people becoming used to something.
ii) Imprinting – Learning of behaviour occurring at a particular age or a particular life stage.
iii) Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
iv) Cognitive Learning – Change in knowledge attributable to experience.
Classification of Behaviour – 5 Types
i) Social
ii) Emotional
iii) Ambitious
iv) Intellectual
v) Moral
Behaviour Development
according to
- Biological Change
The brain and nervous system play an important role. Chemical entities – Neurotransmitters influence behaviour. Seven neurotransmitters are there – Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Glutamate, Histamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin). Endocrine glands produce different hormones, these hormonal changes also affect behaviour.
- Culture
Culture shapes the way we work and play, and it makes a difference in how we view ourselves and others. Culture has a powerful influence on our outlook and behaviour.
- Physiological Development
During adolescence, faster physical changes occur. They are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour. Age, health, illness, emotions, mental health, and life experiences – all are affecting behaviour.
Importance of Self-awareness on Behaviour
- It gives the power to influence outcomes.
- It helps to become better decision-makers.
- It gives us more self-confidence. So as a result we communicate with clarity and intention.
- It allows us to understand things from multiple perspectives.
- It frees us from our assumptions and biases.
- We can know our strengths and weaknesses.
- Will have better listening skills.
- Better self-regulation is possible.
- You will have more empathy.
- You can be a better leader.
Common positive changes during adolescence
- Adaptability
- Resilence (Bouncing back)
- Proactivity
- Perception/Self-perception
- Confidence
- Courageous
Common negative changes in adolescence
- Anxiety and depression
- Eating/Sleeping Disorders
- Conduct Disorders (sometimes serious antisocial behaviours)
- Attention Deficit and hyperactivity disorder
- Self-harming
- Overly Sensitive/ Easily upset
- Unsatisfied with own body (colour, size, height, etc)
- Temper Outbursts
- The raging bull phenomenon in boys.
General features of Adolescent Behaviour
- Searching for identity (am I a grownup or child?)
- Seeking more independence
- Thinking more about right/wrong.
- Influence by friends’ behaviour.
- Feeling awkward about their changing bodies.
- Switch between overconfidence and poor self-esteem.
- Find fault with their parents.
Evaluate ourselves by identifying the behaviours in us, or can seek help from our parents/teachers/friends. Recognize those you want to maintain and change. Giving up those are not beneficial for us.
Some Modification Techniques
- Do proper exercise.
- Follow good eating habits.
- Do open conversations with parents/siblings/relatives/friends, anyone who is a well-wisher of you.
- Do creative works, that will produce endorphins – the happy hormones.
- Find out a mentor for yourself.
- Delay responses.
- Complete our daily work/studies.
- Follow a timetable for sleep and wake up.
- Micro habits – Small changes in your habits will make a big change in life.
- Admit our failures and try to improve from the faults that occurred.
- Limit the usage of social media – Non-reasoned usage of a computer/phone for more than 3 hours is addictive nature.
- Going for a walk, drinking a glass of cold water, meditating, talking with a good friend, listening to music, dancing, etc. are good refreshers.
Author:- Mrs P. Ambily Shafarudheen, Counselling Psychologist & Behaviour Therapist – Krupa School of Counselling & Psychotherapy Kannur. Reach her during office hours at +91-7510791874.
