Final answer:
Adolescence is a stage of increased peer influence and reduced parental influence as teens develop their identities and systems of values. Despite a tendency to prioritize peers in social situations, parental influence persists, guiding significant life decisions and moral values. Adolescents navigate between these influences as they assert their independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescence is typically a time of increasing influence from one's peers and decreasing influence from parents or guardians. During this significant developmental period, adolescents work to form their identities and often become more emotionally separated from their parents. Peers take a pivotal role as teens spend more time with them and seek acceptance within their social circles.
Although adolescents may seem to prioritize the opinions of their peers, especially when it comes to matters that involve social acceptance and fitting in, it's noteworthy that parental influence does not disappear. Research shows that, especially on substantial decisions like sexual behaviors, teens report that their parents or other caring adults are their greatest influence. Healthy parent-child relationships are still very important and correlated with positive outcomes such as better grades and fewer behavioral problems at school.
As adolescents grow, they begin developing their own system of moral and ethical values, and peer influence often sways their day-to-day choices. However, the foundational roles and values taught by parents at a young age continue to shape adolescents' understanding of social behaviors, health, and leading a good life.