Chapter 2
Chapter Summary
• The family is the primary factor in the personality development of
most people.
• Peers are a strong influence in your personality development. Your
true friends will admire you more for standing up for what you
believe.
• Religion may be an important aspect of your environment. If
religion is one of your priorities, it can offer meaning and purpose
throughout your life.
• Technology is playing an increasing role in people’s lives. Families
should ensure that use of technology is balanced with one-to-one
interaction.
• As the world changes, each generation faces a new set of social and
economic conditions. Both affluence and scarcity will influence the
development of an individual’s personality.
• Teens have a responsibility to protect themselves from the negative
aspects of the mass media.
Check Your Knowledge
1. What is the most influential factor in shaping most people’s
personalities?
2. Defi ne the term culture.
3. What is meant by the phrase culturally diverse?
4. What is a role? Give an example of a role a teen might fulfi ll in his
or her family.
5. How does the influence of peer groups compare with the influence
of families during adolescence?
6. How can an appreciation for learning benefi t an individual
throughout life?
7. Give an example of how religion can influence a person’s life.
8. How can families prevent technological devices from replacing
valuable personal contact between people?
9. Why do businesses direct much of their advertising to the teen market?
10. Name one positive and one negative influence of mass media on
personality development.
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