Defining psychosocial maturity in adolescence

Abstract

Contends that some minimum level of autonomy and social responsibility is expected by society of individuals who have completed adolescence. Attributes of autonomy are self-reliance, work orientation, and identity. Attributes of social responsibility are social commitment, openness to sociopolitical change, and tolerance of individual and cultural differences. Researchers have examined whether psychosocial maturity is developmental and valued by adolescents, and they have investigated the sources of autonomy and social responsibility. In an earlier survey of 2,143 11th graders, the author found that 2 types of adolescent social relations are associated with autonomy: more and better family relations and a higher level of involvement in school. In addition, there was a strong association between academic achievement and social responsibility. It is suggested that the family is the first and most important setting for the development of feelings about the self but that family involvement does not predict attitudes toward social responsibility. (43 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)