What is a key aspect of adolescent social development?

• A. Identity formation and autonomy from parents; peer influence.
• B. Increased dependence on parents for daily decisions.
• C. Reduced interest in peer relationships.
• D. Relying exclusively on family for decision making.

Answer: (A)

Adolescence centers on forming a personal identity and gaining autonomy from parents, with peers playing a pivotal role in shaping values, interests, and social behavior. Teens test boundaries, make more independent decisions, and seek peer feedback and acceptance while still needing family support. This combination explains why identity formation with increasing autonomy and peer influence best captures adolescent social development. The other ideas describe patterns that don’t fit this stage: more parental dependence, reduced interest in peers, or relying exclusively on family for decisions contradict the typical shift toward independence and peer involvement.