4 Reasons That Lead to Teenage Rebellion

Are you aware of the factors that lead to teenage rebellion? Today, we'll tell you about 4 of them, as well as how to deal with the issue.

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Elena Sanz Martín.

Written by Elena Sanz Martín

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Adolescence is a stage that’s feared by many parents. These youngsters, who are in transition between childhood and the adult world, have a reputation for being difficult, disobedient, and defiant. It’s true that family dynamics change when a child enters puberty; but, if we understand the reasons that lead to teenage rebellion, it’ll be much easier for us to go through this period successfully.

First of all, it’s important to remove the negative connotation of this term. Rebelliousness, within limits, can be healthy and necessary for the proper development of adolescents. After all, they’re at a time when they have to forge their identity, open up to the world, and face social pressures; therefore, this quality can be a certain advantage.

What leads an adolescent to be rebellious?

Now, how can we handle this situation from a parental perspective? By understanding the origin and function of this rebellious attitude in order to accompany the process in a natural way. Here are the main reasons that lead to teenage rebellion.

The search for their own identity

As we’ve already mentioned, in adolescence, young people seek their own identity as individuals; and, to do so, they tend to oppose parental authority. They need to assert their opinions, decisions, and points of view, and this may be interpreted by some parents as rebellion. In reality, it’s natural for an adolescent to demand more and more independence, to want to be listened to and taken into account. They’re forging their own personality.

Physical and psychological changes

At this stage, there are many transformations that can be difficult for children to assimilate. The body changes and matures, the peer group takes on great relevance, academic and personal demands increase… All this can lead young people to become irritable or apathetic, to withdraw into themselves, or to become involved in family conflicts more easily.

In addition, the brain region involved in impulse control hasn’t yet fully matured. Therefore, they may act more impulsively, without measuring their words and without foreseeing the consequences of their actions.

Lack of resources to manage emotions

To cope with the above, it’s essential to have sufficient personal resources and adequate emotional intelligence. At this time of life, emotions are experienced with great intensity and can be overflowing. If an adolescent hasn’t acquired the tools to manage them, they may become aggressive, overwhelmed, and react inappropriately.

Inadequate family dynamics

Although it’s adolescence itself is a process that can lead to teenage rebellion, the dynamics at home play a very important role. An environment in which the young person is naturally listened to, validated, and respected will keep defiant behaviors to a minimum. In contrast, a parenting style that’s too authoritarian and intransigent will exacerbate rebelliousness.

However, the same can happen if parents are too permissive and they’re not able to establish consistent rules. In this case, a tyrannical child may emerge who responds with aggression and disrespect to parental attempts to set limits.

How to deal with a rebellious adolescent?

Adolescent rebelliousness shouldn’t be attacked or repressed, but understood and channeled. To this end, guidelines such as the following can be applied:

• Maintain open and fluid communication with your child. Listen to them without judging them and also make them a part of your life. This will increase mutual trust, will let them know that you take them into account, and will create a relationship of accomplices rather than enemies.
• Allow your adolescent to give their opinion, negotiate, and participate in decisions. Imposing isn’t a good strategy; instead, talk to them about the rules and establish them together. Be flexible when possible and offer more autonomy as your teen demonstrates responsibility.
• Teach them to deal with their emotions, to calm their anger, control their impulses, and manage their sadness. Relaxation techniques can be very helpful in this regard.
• Arm yourself with patience and tolerance. Remember that adolescence is a complicated stage to go through and that your child needs parents with self-control; Don’t lose your temper in the face of their outbursts, be the calm in their storm.

In short, it’s possible that your teenager shows rebellious attitudes, but this doesn’t have to be negative or undermine your good relationship. Understand their situation, be patient, firm, and loving. If you accompany this process instead of fighting against your child, everything will be fine.