The Effects of Intelligence & Self Confidence On an Adolescent

Intelligence, both emotional and rational, plays a role in adolescent achievement. Self-confidence is more important than intelligence, however, because adolescents who lack self-confidence tend to underachieve or drop out of school, have emotional problems and may abuse drugs or alcohol.

It is important for parents and teachers to build self-confidence by praising adolescents for good choices or proper behavior and avoid criticizing them as much as possible.

 

 

Better Academic Performance

Intelligence often has a positive effect on academic performance; obviously, highly intelligent adolescents are more likely to understand concepts, remember facts and create effective study strategies. However, self-confidence is just as important.

Adolescents with low self-confidence tend to give up easily or believe they cannot do academic work. They often get discouraged and in some cases may even choose to drop out of high school. A study by the Wisconsin Family Impact Seminars says that poor academic performance may be both a cause and an effect of low self-confidence.

 

Emotional Health

Adolescents who have high levels of self-confidence tend to be happier. Intelligence also plays a role here, as high intelligence allows adolescents to make good decisions, which in turn boosts self-confidence when they see the results of those decisions.

Conversely, the Wisconsin Family Impact Seminars study says that adolescents with low levels of self-confidence tend to believe they have little or no control over their lives, which leads to unhappiness, depression and unhealthy behaviors.

 

Lower Rates of Drug Abuse

Adolescents with high levels of self-confidence are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. These adolescents feel they are in control of their lives and feel less of a need to use drugs or alcohol to escape from stress or negative feelings. In addition, adolescents who experience the ability to solve problems via their intelligence are less likely to become substance abusers, because they are reluctant to interfere with the functioning of their brains.

 

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