Adolescent Viewpoints

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Adolescent Viewpoints
INTRODUCTION
Personal perception or self-esteem among adolescents is highly influenced by body image, media, peer influences, family status and school. Family and physiological ability can affect self-image development. The trial of independence at adolescence is associated with significant drops in self-esteem. Its reality is overwhelming and these young individuals may feel diminished and experience future shock.
DISCUSSION
Socioeconomic Status. The level of self-esteem among adolescents tends to decline as the family income decreases. Interpersonal relationships are key to self-development as iterated by Adamson (581), who suggests that, “the development of adolescents depends on interaction with others”. Children who perceive their families as poorer have problems of experiencing life satisfaction. Adolescents from rich families exhibit positive mental health except but limited by other factors. Low self-esteem can also be induced by social issues within the family like violence, neglect, and family separation.
Racist Society. Racism is social classification which determines the distribution of risks and opportunities in most societies. Advantages and disadvantages among different races affect how children view themselves. Racial differences are also brought about by socioeconomic status and access to resources. Racism affects the perception and outcomes among adolescents.
Disability Perception. Disability is also associated with self-evaluation at early life in terms of physical appearance, abilities and social skills.

In many societies, there exists negative attitudes towards disabled individuals thus affecting identity development. The amount of social interaction between disabled adolescents from family members and people from outside affects their self-concept. Lack of age friends and participation in social activities has an effect on self-image development.
CONCLUSION
Adolescents perceive themselves according to how the society is stratified. Physical, economic and social belonging affects the development of self-image development among young individuals. The perception and outcomes of an adolescent are influenced by racial stratification. Efforts in society should be geared towards reducing economic disparity and enhancing social cohesion.

Works Cited
Adamson, Lena. “Self-Image, Adolescence, And Disability.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy 57.5 (2003): 578-581.