The Impact of Ostracism During Adolescence in Developing Sensitivity, and the Correlation Between Sensitivity and Self-Regulation in Learning.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2762Keywords:
ostracism, sensitivity, learning, self-regulation, adolescenceAbstract
The social environment significantly affects adolescents during this critical period of development. During adolescence, complex relationships, heightened sensitivity, and the need to excel academically all become influential, and these experiences can shape the development of the brain, defining characteristics that solidify into adulthood. While numerous studies have conducted research on the impacts of social and academic factors on adolescent development, little is known about the correlation between the two. This study aims to explore how social experiences may shape an adolescent’s learning strategies. To do so, ostracism experience, sensitivity, self-compassion, and self-regulation in learning is measured in a sample of 45 high school participants via an online survey. Following a mediation analysis structure, ostracism’s effect on the development of sensitivity was analyzed, and then whether this sensitivity has an influence on self-compassion and self-regulation in learning (learning strategies that influence academic success) was also analyzed. I hypothesized that ostracism would have an impact on the development of sensitivity, and that sensitivity would be positively associated with self-regulation and negatively associated with self-compassion. Although a positive correlation between sensitivity levels and controlled self-regulation, and a negative relationship between sensitivity and self-compassion was found, ostracism and sensitivity did not show a correlation. This suggests that ostracism experiences don’t necessarily affect adolescent sensitivity levels, but in contrast, sensitivity is associated with an increase in self-regulation abilities in learning. Because sensitivity, ostracism, and school performances are such common yet impactful factors, this study becomes very relevant. This study could help in understanding adolescence, to find out how, in the broader picture, negative social experiences and learning strategies intertwine with each other. Based on the results of this study, researchers can develop better interventi ons to support teenage learning by implementing ways to help them cope with sensitivity and interaction among peers.
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