The teen years can be awkward for just about anyone, as coping with physical and emotional changes can be hard. Most teens feel misunderstood by figures of authority or feel abused by bullies and tend to become withdrawn, or worse, lash out aggressively.

Findings of a new study from the journal Child Development recently posted at ScienceDaily.com suggest that teens who think people can change for the better react less aggressively than their peers who think otherwise. The study was conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, Emory University, and Stanford University.

The study, culled from previous studies on teen behavior, was split into two parts. First, eighth- to 10th-grade teens from all races and economic backgrounds were asked about their views on people and change. They were then given situations that could lead to either conflict or exclusion. Teens who believe that people can’t change responded aggressively to the situations, often picking the choice that involves conflict.

Next, the participants were given interventions, such as talks from people who have changed into better persons, articles about the capacity of the brain to change its way of thought, and note-writing for future students saying that people do have the ability to change. Again, situations were presented to the teens and this time, they responded less aggressively and saw conflicts not as a means to take revenge, but as a problem that needed solving.

This shows the importance of parental intervention during children's teen years. Explaining that people can grow, mature, and change can help them address negative situations with more positive means.

(Photo by Leszek Leszczynski via Flickr Creative Commons)