A survey of the problems of normal 15‐year‐olds

Abstract

The problems experienced by “normal” adolescents are described and some indication given of the range and seriousness of problems from the adolescent viewpoint. Seven hundred and seventy‐five 15‐year‐olds from comprehensive schools in the North of England completed two questionnaires and a sub‐sample of these adolescents were interviewed in detail about their problem experiences, who they confided in and what they thought could be done about problems. The most common worries for the adolescents were concerned with Employment, Self‐Confidence and Adequacy and the Academic aspects of School. Least mentioned problems were in the areas of Material Deprivation, Physical Inadequacy and Home. The latter problems however affect a minority of adolescents (10–30 per cent) and appeared more difficult for them to solve. Peer acceptance was an area of worry which affected a considerable number, but problems regarding authority and control, etc. were less prevalent.