Maheen Mustafa

ST10219637

Psychology of Adolescence
PPOA102

Topic

Compare and contrast the different views on

adolescence, ensuring that you give a
detailed discussion on Islamic views of
adolescence.
Introduction

It is a phase that starts at puberty and finishes in adulthood. In adolescence, life spans from ages

10 to 18, and adolescents undergo significant physical and cognitive changes. Puberty is directed

by hormonal shifts, a set of physical changes, affecting different parts of the brain. Next to these

physical changes, adolescents experience improvements in their ability for complex and abstract

thinking. This period also marks a transformation in their relationships with their parents, as they

strive for greater independence. While peers provide crucial support during this time, they can

also influence adolescents towards engaging in problem behaviors. Additionally, adolescents use

this time to explore and commit to different roles and beliefs as they develop their identities.

Given the many changes during this phase, psychologists have dedicated extensive attention to

understanding and supporting adolescents through these formative years.

Different Perspectives on Adolescence

 Western Psychological Perspective on Adolescence

 Traditional Cultural Perspective in Adolescence

 Islamic Perspective on Adolescence

1. Western Perspective on Adolescence

1.1 Psychosocial Development Theory of Erikson

Erikson’s theory contains eight stages of development, from childhood to adulthood.

Stage of Erikson's theory highlighted the adolescent known as “Identity versus identity

confusion”. According to this adolescence is a phase in which individuals try to focus on

their future. They try to perform a role that helps them to achieve the right path. And if

they did not find that role they may face the crises of identity confusion.

1.2 Cognitive Development Theory of Piaget

Adolescence is considered a phase of fast cognitive development. During this period

biological changes in the brain structure are linked with the increase in experience,

knowledge, etc. These types of changes usually go about with the onset of puberty.

Changes like cognitive skills or the development of executive function help in control

and coordination is correlated with the prefrontal cortex area of the brain. According to

Jean Piaget's formal Operational stage which starts between the age of 11 and 15, a child

when he enters the adolescence phase starts to reason abstractly. Adolescent try to

experience new things and try to solve their problems by themselves. His brain

development becomes more rapid, which helps him think more wisely. They start

thinking about their future and make plans. They become more systematic.

1.4 Social Cognitive Perspective of Albert Bandura

In adolescence, there is notable growth in the brain can be seen, mostly in the area related

To social cognition including the prefrontal cortex, and parietal cortex. As some

Psychologists admit with the behaviorist concept, development is highly affected by

environmental interactions. Although different from Skinner, they claim that cognition is

also valuable in understanding development Albert Bandura in his social cognitive theory

highlighted that cognitive processes have a significant connection with environment and

behavior. The central point of his initial research programs was based on observational
 learning also known as imitation and modeling. Bandura’s latest concept of learning and

development contains three components i.e. behavior, cognition, and environment.

2. Traditional Cultural Perspective in Adolescence

2.1 African Perspective

Africa has been reported as “a rich continent whose

people are poor” (nsamenang, 1998). Countries in Africa are usually rich in natural

resources. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa is in the worst condition. Adolescents in the

African region endure more difficult situations related to physical health. Problems faced

by them are more challenging. Due to the civil wars held in different countries in the

1990s caused the African government to progress towards more open, stable

governments. The ongoing growth in the economy made adolescents optimistic about the

betterment of their future. For instance, in some East African communities, initiation

ceremonies involve circumcision, and seclusion, during which adolescents are taught

societal norms, responsibilities, and adult roles (Nsamenang, 2002).

2.2 Asian Perspective

Asia is composed of a broad area of different countries that are mostly industrialized like

Japan, countries that are newly industrialized like South Korea, and also countries that

are swiftly industrializing like China. The cultures of Asian countries are extremely

affected by Confucianism. Asian adolescents are more likely than adolescents in other

parts of the world to have a grandparent living in their household (Zhan et al., 2008). The
 tradition of Confucianism places more stress on education, which is why there focus on

the studies of youths is greater.

2.3 Latin American Perspective

Latin America includes a wide area of diverse culture, but they hold a common history of

colonization. Adolescents have two key issues in Latin America in the 21st century

political stability and economic growth (Galambos & Martinez, 2007). From many

decennaries, countries of Latin America face political and economic instability. Due to

this unemployment among youth is outrageous. Adolescents in Latin America pay more

attention to education which helps them information about based global economy.

3. Islamic Perspective on Adolescence

3.1 Islamic Teaching and Adolescence

Islamic Teachings from the Quran and Sunnah give us a complete structure for

adolescents. In Islam adolescents are appraised as individuals with proper moral and

spiritual growth and also highlighted their role as responsible Muslims having ethical

behavior. In Islam, the phase of adolescence starts on the onset of Puberty. After entering

the phase of Adolescence individual is considered a more responsible person. While

mentioning the rules an individual must follow Allah mention in Quran

“But when the children among you come of age, let them (also) ask for permission,

as do those senior to them (in age): Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to you: for

Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.” 1

1
Quran(24:59)
 3.2 Gender Roles

“Whosoever acts righteously - whether a man or a woman - and embraces belief,

We will surely grant him a good life; and will surely grant such persons their

reward according to the best of their deeds.” 2

In Islam women and men are equal but different both have their roles to play. A woman

is created with more emotions to be displayed by a man. While a man is created more

tough than a woman that is why he has responsibilities to feed his family members.

Related to genders Prophet (S.A.W) said

“Women are the peer's “true equals”

of men.” 3

3.3 Role in Family

In Islam, the most important role in bringing up a child is of their family members.

While mentioning the importance of roles in the family Related to genders Prophet

(S.A.W) said

“Women are the peer's “true equals”

of men.”4

4. Comparison of Different Perspectives on Adolescence

2
Quran(16:97)
3
(Hadeeth in Ahmad)
4
(Hadeeth in Ahmad)
 In Islam, an adolescent is seen as a part of a family and community while in the West

adolescent is considered a single individual. Western perspective strongly emphasizes

education while the Islamic perspective along with education also gives importance to

spiritual development and moral and ethical behavior. Challenges that can be faced by

adolescents in Western culture vary from adolescents in Islamic culture. In the West

individuals face peer pressure, mental health issues, social abuse, etc. The only challenge

an individual faces in Islamic culture is maintaining or balancing their deen and Duniya.

Conclusion:

Overall Adolescence has an important role in society whether in western or in Islamic.

According to both perspectives they are considered individual with strong

responsibilities. However there are some negative things adolescents deal with. But also

show the support and guidance to adolescents.

References

Alexa C. Curtis, A. C. (2015). Journal of Adolescent and Family Health. Vol 7 (issue 2). Pg 1-
39 https://core.ac.uk/reader/51197460

John W. Santrock, J. W. (2014). Adolescence. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication

Data.
 Jeffery Jensen Arnett. J.J. (2013). Adolescence and emerging adulthood: a cultural approach.
Pearson Education

Lumen. Life span development.

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/chapter/cognitive-
development-during-adolescence/

Abdullah Yusuf Ali, A. Y. (1934). The Holy Quran. Wordsworth Edition Ltd. https://quran.com/