Question

Cara is 17 years old. Cara's mother and father both drink alcohol every night. They tell Cara that drinking is bad and she shouldn't do it. Cara goes to a party where beer is being served. What do you think Cara will do? Why?

Short answer

The probable behaviors are varied. Cara could decide not to drink reflecting her parent's advice, despite their contradictory actions. Alternatively, the double standard exemplified by her parents or peer pressure could lead her to drink alcohol. The precise course of action depends on how Cara weighs these different factors and her personal values.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Influencing Factors

To understand the possible actions Cara might take, identify all the factors mentioned in the exercise that could influence her decision. Key factors include her parents' behaviors despite their advice against drinking, and the environment she is in (a party with beer).

Analyze each Factor

Analyze how each factor might shape Cara's behavior. Her parents' advice might discourage her from consuming alcohol; however, their contradictory behavior of drinking alcohol every night might relay a message to Cara that drinking alcohol is acceptable. Moreover, being at a party where beer is served might influence Cara to conform to the behavior of her peers.

Form a Connclusion

Combining all the analyzed factors, it's predicted that Cara's decision could swing either way depending on her interpretation of her parents' actions and her personal beliefs and values. It is possible that her parents' hypocrisy drives her away from alcohol, or she could be inclined to imitate their actions due to their influence as parental figures. The peer setting might also sway her to drink beer according to societal conformity.

Key concepts

Parental Influence

Parental influence plays a vital role in shaping the decisions of adolescents like Cara. Parents often serve as the primary role models, and their actions can leave a lasting impression on their children. Although Cara's parents advise her not to drink alcohol, their habit of drinking every night sends mixed signals. This contradictory message (

• "Don't drink, but we do"

) creates confusion for Cara, as parents are typically trusted figures. The parental influence here can either deter her from drinking, out of respect for their advice, or lead her to mimic their behavior, believing that their habit is acceptable because they are the adults she looks up to. This demonstrates how parents must align their behavior with the advice they give, to avoid confusing adolescents and reinforcing negative actions.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is another significant factor that can impact Cara's decision at the party. Adolescents often strive to fit in with their peers to feel accepted and part of the group. When alcohol is involved, the pressure can intensify. Being at a party where beer is served, Cara might feel an unspoken urge to drink, simply because others do. Peer dynamics often make it tough for teenagers to say 'no', especially if it means standing out or facing potential ridicule. Examples of peer pressure include:

• Feeling compelled to do what others do to avoid exclusion
• Wanting to gain approval or admiration from peers

Cara's ability to resist or give in to peer pressure will depend on her confidence in her values and her capacity to assert her own decisions without succumbing to the impulses of those around her.

Contradictory Behavior

Contradictory behavior can often lead to confusion, especially in adolescents trying to make sense of the adult world. Cara witnesses contradictory behavior when her parents verbally condemn drinking but then engage in it themselves. This inconsistency can undermine parental authority, as their actions do not support their words. As a result, adolescents might struggle to differentiate between what is right and wrong when guidance lacks coherence. This might prompt Cara to:

• Question the credibility of her parents' advice
• Rely on her own judgment and experiences
• Interpret the contradiction as a sign that she can choose based on comfort rather than morality

Understanding the impact of contradictory behavior is crucial for parents and guardians aiming to guide adolescents positively.

Social Conformity

Social conformity refers to the tendency to align behaviors and beliefs with those of a group. At a party, Cara might experience pressure to conform to the social setting where drinking is the norm. Social conformity can significantly influence adolescent decision-making, as fitting in with peers often feels imperative. Common aspects of social conformity include:

• Adapting to group norms to be accepted
• Fear of being perceived as different

For Cara, deciding whether to drink can come down to maintaining her individuality or blending into the social landscape. Her decision might reflect an internal struggle between personal values and the instinct to be part of the group. Social conformity illustrates how powerful the desire to belong can be, especially during the formative adolescent years.