Adolescence represents a special time for achievement. Achieving becomes a way adolescents define themselves and gain approval from peers and adults. Adolescents want to become independent of their parents. They want to be able to make intelligent decisions about their own lives and to live with satisfying outcomes. They find many occasions for developing attitudes and skills through classwork, social activities, and extracurricular events. Succeeding in these areas brings self-esteem and the respect of others as well as the crucial abilities needed to become responsible adults. Peer groups influence the direction and amount of adolescent achievement.

Peer groups in early and middle adolescence greatly influences the direction and amount of adolescent achievement. Peer influence occurs in academic areas and social areas. Peer groups may value academic, interpersonal, and leadership achievements. Some peer groups reject these established ways of achieving.

Teens must have the confidence in their own ability and have the opportunity to get involved. With this, they usually want to achieve. Some adolescents find achievement blocked. They lack the specific interest needed to become involved in the activity, lack the skills needed to preform the task, the attitude that is needed, or the confidence needed.

No one wants to fail. When individuals' desire to avoid failure becomes stronger than the desire to achieve. Many teens join equally discouraged peers in groups where at least they can achieve each other's support and approval.

  

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