Adolescent idealism involves having ideas about what a perfect world would be. It involves views on how people should behave in a world where everything is good. I held on to the wish that the world would be a place where everybody was willing to help the poor. It is not realistic because suffering will always exist. Concerning adolescent criticism, adolescents tend to be judgmental of themselves, others, and situations viewed as inadequate. I was very critical of my physical appearance and had a mental image of perfection I hoped to attain.
In adolescence, egocentrism is evident through a focus on the imaginary audience and personal fable. Personal fable involves the belief that no one can understand you except yourself (Hughes, 2010). For instance, I avoided sharing a lot of my challenges with my parents and friends because I believed they could not help me with my experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Imaginary audience involves assuming that what is of value to me is valuable to other people. For instance, my passion for charity work was so strong I failed to understand why other people were not as involved as I was. The other people’s indifference towards what an individual is passionate about may be shocking and annoying. Both characteristics result from one’s failure to separate his/her own thoughts from those of others.
According to Munsey (2006), the emerging adulthood transition was a concept developed by Jensen Arnett. It focused on the individual’s identity exploration, possibilities, self-focus, instability and a contemplation of adult expectations. As one transitions from adolescence into adulthood, he/she becomes more focused on having a meaningful impact. My transition was characterized by the realization that my views or abilities were not the best. I became aware of my shortcomings and did my best to achieve my goals and make a difference.
Factors such as adolescent idealism, personal fable, criticism, and an imaginary audience can affect the individual’s decision-making and judgments. It is because the individual explores the possibility of an existence beyond the logical. Too much focus on idealism and other distortions make some adolescents ignore the realistic limitations of their expectations. It leads to bad choices that may affect the individual way into adulthood.
The distortions are overcome in adulthood as one embraces the reality of the situation. Adults begin understanding that others may not share their views and that some idealistic expectations cannot be achieved.
Adolescence is a complicated stage for every individual. There is a need for guidance and support as the individual works through its challenges in order to transition into adulthood in a healthy manner.
References
Hughes, F. P. (2010). Children, Play, and Development (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.
Munsey, C. (2006). Emerging Adults- The in-between Age. APA Monitor Staff, 37(6):68. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun06/emerging.aspx
