Interview With Adolecents

Interview with Adolescents

Jaquie Jones

University of Phoenix

BSHS/M 361

Professor Lon Cox

February 22, 2006

Interviews took place with two 15 year olds and two 14 year olds. The interviews took place at the Northridge Mall on a Saturday late morning. Rosa Marina's mother is a preschool teacher. Desiree's father is a policeman. John's parents both work at a food manufacturer. Susanna is daughter of a non-working parent and no father in the home. The adolescents understood the questions as I asked them. I have noticed that the adolescents that were older were able to relate more and expand more on their questions, yet they still had a certain amount of reservations because I am a stranger to them.

Most of the adolescents were interested in what their future would bring but one who was concerned about all the violence. One of the adolescents spoke of how he missed his father, and one of them had a role model that was her father. Two of the adolescents were from a one parent home which they responded to as the "norm." Three were in tune with the celebrity's out there in media and quickly responded to the question about someone that they would like to get to know. Two of them related how they liked it when they were much younger for less responsibility requirements from them. I was surprised that half of the teenagers responded that they would end the war if they were President. The way in which Susanna responded was familiar. She said she did not like moving and it seemed to have a negative tone to it.

Similarly, in my own life experience with my son, it was typical to move regularly about 3x a year and he did display negativity when someone in the family brought it up.

Adolescents today have more responsibilities then those in the past. The adolescents in the past depended more on their parents for their needs. When I was an adolescent I only had to be concerned with attending school and coming home with good grades. Also, food and television had a special place in my life. I had only one friend and we did homework, ate a lot and watched television all Saturday morning to noontime. My parent was always home and I saw her throughout the time I arrived from school until it was time to go to bed.

Adolescents today are mostly latchkey, and have to spend time alone while waiting for one of the parents to come home or their caregiver i.e. grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc... It is likely that if there is no one to be there for them after school that they will go to a park or with a neighbor until they see one of the parents get home. Adolescents today without the right values in place have all the tools to either succeed or to go through life dependent on those things that are aesthetically appealing or "cool" but that do not help them grow as individuals with a firm foundation so that no matter what comes in their direction, they will be able to go through it.

Overall, the interviews went well as far as getting responses to all the questions that were put forth. I believe that these adolescents have previewed at this stage what is to come or what is coming their way as far as challenges and possible obstacles. The adolescents interviewed made it clear that they had gained this knowledge and it was possible to see that those values from home displayed.

Question Rosa Marina Desiree John Susanna

Describe the teenager A reserved 15 year old. She likes music and her friends. Desiree is a quiet 15 year old. She enjoys school and is very responsible. A 14 year old that enjoys sports and cars. Susanna is 14 years old.

Tell me something about you and your family? "I am 15 years old, enjoy music and school. I have an older brother that is in a band." "I live with my mom and my baby sister, I have an older sister. I like school most of the time." "I am a 14 years old and I like cars and karate. I have an older brother and a little sister." "I have a sister. I live with my mom and I see my dad every week we are very close."

What do you like about being a teenager? "I have less responsibility than an adult.

I enjoy spending time with my school friends.

I am looking forward to college."

"Lot more friends.

People take you more seriously. and expect more

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