Ambivalence during childhood

Posted on September 6, 2018


Since Ambivalence causes one to feel a mixture of different emotions, one might be confused as to how they really feel and hence, a complex psychological phenomenon that is hard to control. It can also cause difficulty in making decisions, especially crucial ones which might affect one’s future.

Students in their late teenage years tend to be in conflict between wanting and not wanting to move forward in life, feeling undecided between staying in their comfort zone and taking risks by stepping out of it and venture independently. For students in their early teenage years, they tend to send mixed signals about what they want and how they feel emotionally.

There is usually more ambivalence present between a teen and their parents as compared to a child and their parents. The desire for freedom, independence and individuality leads to weaker relationships between a teen and their parents. A teen and their parents often do not get along well during childhood days. When a parent-child relationship is expected to be way better than what it is like, it might lead to more confusion and conflicts arise from inability to find common topics to bond over. Hence, teens and their parents should try to have a higher tolerance towards ambivalence. One way to do so is to work together to understand each other’s differences and form positive connections which will improve the relationship.

Ambivalence in a growing teen can also lead to negative impacts such as confusing one’s perspectives in life, inability to make decisions, overthinking, conflicting mindsets, extreme disappointment, confusion, fear of commitment, finding excuses to get something done, self-doubt and anxiety.

Ambivalence during teenage years should not be discouraged or forbidden but accepted and used to advantage. It helps one think about how life has infinite opportunities to offer and prepare them for future adulthood where more crucial decisions must be made.

Category(s):Adjusting to Change / Life Transitions, Child and/or Adolescent Issues, Child Development, Teenage Issues

Source material from Psychology Today

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