At ages 12-14, what is a prevalent emotional concern?

During the ages of 12 to 14, adolescents are navigating a critical period of social and emotional development. This stage is characterized by a heightened sensitivity to social dynamics, which includes a notable increase in concern for justice and fairness. As they start to form their own identities and challenge the values and norms of the world around them, they become more aware of issues related to equity and morality. This development reflects their growing cognitive abilities and a shift towards more complex thinking about right and wrong.

The increased concern for justice aligns closely with the cognitive development that occurs during these years, often driven by their desire to establish their own beliefs and ethics in contrast to those of adults. Adolescents also start to become more critical of social inequalities and injustices they perceive in their environments, further cementing this emotional concern.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the prevalent emotional concerns during this developmental stage. Indifference toward success and complete independence are not typical, as adolescents are usually still influenced by adults and care about their achievements. Similarly, while peer relationships are significant during this period, mocking relationships doesn’t capture the serious emotional concerns that often revolve around fairness and equity.