Impact of Authority on Teenage Passions and Strengths

Teenagers and adolescents are notoriously known to push away from authority in their attempt to find their own path. This blog will be focusing on teenagers, ages 13 to 19 years old, and how differing authority figures impact their life and how it allows them to find their own passions and strengths. I will argue that finding passions and strengths is necessary to create a solid foundation for a leader as well as how they can exude leadership in this stage. To support this argument, I will reference an official TED talk and two peer reviewed research articles explaining the large impact of differing types of authority on adolescents.

First, the impact of different types of parenting and authority styles have a massive impact on how 13 to 19 year old’s develop. For example, “When children perceive that their parents accept them, respect their opinions, and are proud of them, their security is increased, which allows them to develop secure relationships and establish positive and altruistic relationships with others” (Mesurado, p. 2). As teenagers are growing into their own self, having parents that support and accept their interests and opinions allow them to flourish. Without this support, a child could be led to fewer positive attributes.

Authority within schools also impact teenagers, positively or negatively. “A positive school climate is a very important trait in the promotion of academic success, favoring not only academic achievement, but also prosocial behavior, the development of self-identity and self-esteem, delayed drug use, a reduced probability of assaults, and the prevention of behavioral problems; it is also related to tolerance towards ethnic diversity. In contrast, a negative school climate is associated with truancy, bullying, and school violence.” (Galvez-Nieto, p.1). With a positive experience, teenagers are more likely to be successful in becoming confident, content, and curious individuals. With this foundation, they can begin to explore their passions and strengths.

Often, teenagers are focusing on sports, extracurriculars, relationships, and possibly even securing their first job! They are utilizing their new found independence and practicing the self-sufficiency they have developed with this positive authority experience. For example, Rowan Haffner gives a TEDxYouth talk on the benefits on youth volunteering. Rowan is a sophomore from Scarsdale High School in Westchester County, New York. In the beginning of his talk, he states, “…How transformational volunteering was for me but truly how transformational it can be for all of you.” (Hidden Benefits of Volunteering, YouTube). Rowan has chosen to follow his passion of helping others by volunteering with the homeless and has over 600 hours of service. Not only is Rowan thriving with this newfound extracurricular and passion, but he is also expanding his speech presentation skills; all while urging other youth to follow their passion and volunteer as well! This is a great example of how a teenager can thrive when supported by authority and feels confident finding their passions.

In conclusion, adolescents aged 13 to 19 years old can thrive when supported, accepted, and respected by parents and teachers (authority). This support allows them to focus on their passions and build their strengths that can stay with them for a lifetime! Having secure confidence in strengths and passions is necessary for a leader. At this stage in life, I argue that the foundation of finding, developing, and executing strengths begins. All in all, adolescents do have the power so be leaders in their own way.

References

Gálvez-Nieto, J. L., Polanco-Levicán, K., Trizano-Hermosilla, Í., & Beltrán-Véliz, J. C. (2022). Relationships between school climate and values: The mediating role of Attitudes Towards Authority in adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 2726. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052726.

Mesurado, B., Richaud, M. C., & Rodriguez, L. M. (2018). The varying roles of parents and the cognitive–emotional variables regarding the different types of adolescent prosocial behavior. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(7), 2116–2133. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407518780365

TEDxYouth@WHRHS. (2020). Hidden Benefits of Volunteering. Youtube. Retrieved 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4LCe9uiGj0.