OUTLINE OF A STUDY OF THE SELF 14 



4. The Self in Adolescence (Thirteen to Twenty Years) 



Describe the various aspects of the hfe of the self from the thirteenth to the 

 twentieth years in accordance with the suggestions given under childhood, in 

 so far as they apply. Make use of the same sub-heads if they seem suitable, or 

 supplement them as appears to you desirable. 



This is the period of life that you are likely to know most about, and to find 

 most difficult to describe fairly and frankly. Do your best: do not be satisfied 

 with an inadequate picture of yourself. 



Of special importance in this period are the following points, arranged under 

 their appropriate headings. 



« 



(a) Environmental influences. Home conditions and influences; physical 

 conditions; food; exercise; amusements, stimulants, narcotics, drugs. School 

 experiences: teachers, companions, serious interests, and sports. Does your 

 experience lead you to believe in co-education ? Give reasons. 



During adolescence, did you regularly follow a well-thought-out program of 

 eating, sleeping, exercising, working ? If not, why not ? Do you feel that you 

 knew enough about yourself and about dietetics to choose the foods best suited 

 to you, or did you follow your whims ? Do you consider that your environment 

 during this period was favorable or unfavorable to your development ? In 

 what respects ? Did you try to improve it ? Why ? 



(b) Physical development. Records of your physical and of medical ex- 

 aminations are valuable in this connection. Present any reliable data that you 

 can obtain. The accompanying blank form for anthropometric measurements 

 should prove useful. 



What were the chief points in your adolescent physical development ? Were 

 you physically perfect ? If not,, were the imperfections inherited or acquired ? 

 Did you take advantage of your opportunities for physical development ? 



Be sure to mention anything noteworthy about the development of muscular, 

 digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, glandular, nervous, or sexual 

 organs, including effects of use, injury, and disease. 



