Standard of Learning

10.2 The student will analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the protective factors related to achieving and maintaining a sound mind and healthy body throughout life. Key concepts/skills include:

1. the empowerment and effectiveness of being assertive;
2. the impact of involvement in school and community activities;
3. the value of exercising self-control;
4. the merits of goal setting;
5. the influence of emotions and peer approval on personal decision-making;
6. the effects of an individual's environment;
7. family health habits and behaviors as they relate to the promotion of health and wellness;
8. the importance of support and encouragement from positive role models.

<< Back to Index

Understanding the Standard

The student will analyze the impact that emotions and peer approval have on personal decision-making.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• classify types of emotions.
• evaluate the impact peer approval has on teenagers.
• describe how to make choices based on a decision-making model:
  • examine the situation;
  • list possible options;
  • weigh possible outcomes;
  • factor in your personal, family, and community values;
  • make a decision and take action; and
  • evaluate your decision.
• explain how emotions impact decisions. (emotions often magnify a problem and one needs to have strong decision-making skills to make responsible choices)
• evaluate the effects peer pressure has on teen decision making. (usually has a strong influence that can positively or negatively impact teen decision-making)
• explain manipulation. (teasing someone, making threats, using blackmail, bribing or promising something, using guilt, or using flattery)

Sample Lessons

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)
Grades: High School
Law enforcement and the school district join to educate students about the personal and social consequences of substance abuse. Includes strategies for anger management, violence prevention, making healthy choices.
Contact: http://www.dare.com

In the Mix: "Living with…"
Grade(s): 7-12
This lesson is designated for middle and high school students.  The program shows other students who live with diseases and shows that it is manageable and that there others going through the same problems.
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/lessons/LivingWithGuide.pdf
Free

In the Mix: "What is Depression"
Grade(s): 9-12
In this lesson, students will examine teenage depression: what it's all about, how it feels, and ways to deal with it. This will be accomplished by small group discussions, recalling life events that trigger depressive episodes, self-reflection and topic research. Upon completion, students will have a better understanding of depression and how it relates to their own lives.
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/lessons/depression1/index.html
Free

Lesson Plans on Gambling
Grade(s): 9-12
This lesson plan is designed to explain problems and traits that come from teenage gambling.  Teaching this lesson can be effective since many problems such as gangs and truancy develop from gambling.
http://www.kycpg.org/Documents/Lesson%20Plans%20on%20Gambling%20Behavior.ppt
Free

Project Towards No Tobacco Use (TNT)
Grades 5-10
Model program to prevent or reduce tobacco use in youth. Ten core and 2 booster lessons. Includes effective refusal and coping skills; effects of media and advertisers; methods to build self-esteem; and strategies for advocating no tobacco use.
Sponsor: Department of Preventive Medicine, USC
Contact: http://www.etr.org
Cost

Samaritans: "Aggression and Bullying"
Grade(s): 8-10
In this lesson students will be able to appreciate the motivations behind aggressive behavior, and to discuss how to avoid a build up of frustration and an aggressive outburst.  These values will be taught by being able to put into practice ways of managing aggression, and dealing with people who bully.
http://www.samaritans.org/pdf/B5AggressionBullying.pdf
Free

Samaritans: "Emotional Health Awareness"
Grade(s): 8-10
This lesson plan is designated to teach eighth through tenth grade students to understand what emotional health is, and how it may vary over time.  The skill they hope to learn will be to challenge the stigma associated with poor mental health, and to be able to discuss ways of maintaining good mental health.
http://www.samaritans.org/pdf/A1EmotionalHealth.pdf
Free

Samaritans: "Understanding Depression"
Grade(s): 8-10
The purpose of this lesson is for students to hopefully learn about some of the ways they may be able to help someone who is feeling depressed.  Also they might be able to identify with why someone might be feeling depressed or hopeless, and to recognize the signs that indicate that someone is becoming depressed.
http://www.samaritans.org/pdf/B1UnderstandingDepression.pdf
Free

Samaritans: "Understanding Self-Injury"
Grade(s): 8-10
In this lesson students will be taught to challenge misconceptions surrounding self-injury, and to discuss routes to find help and support.  Along with learning those skills, students will also learn to practice how to help support someone who is self injuring and to understand what self-injury is.
http://www.samaritans.org/pdf/B2UnderstandingSelf.pdf
Free

Teen Life Counts Suicide Prevention
Grade: 10
Students take part in a four-day "suicide prevention program" in their sophomore year. It is a very active learning experience in which every student is called upon to answer questions in class and to take part in discussions. They learn the signs and symptoms of depression as well as myths about suicide and depression.
http://www.jsea.org/FileUploads/Guidance-Bonitatibus.pdf
Free

Tough Truces: A Lesson on the Causes and Prevention of Gang Violence
Grade(s): 6-12
In this lesson, students will learn about the factors contributing to the growth of gangs and gang violence. Groups will discuss causes for gang violence and suggest measures that can be taken by various community groups to reduce such activity.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20020412
Free

Additional Instructional Resources

• Adolescent Decision Making - http://www.nap.edu/html/adolescent
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving - http://www.mentalhelp.net/psyhelp/chap13/chap13o
• Exercise & Lifestyle Choices – http://www.pbs.org/teachersource (health & fitness 9-12)
• Guidance Counselors

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• identify a health problem common to teenagers and young adults and apply the decision-making model to resolve the problem.
• give examples or both positive and negative peer pressure and their impact on decision- making.
• generate a list of risk behaviors that may be the result of peer pressure.
• role play situations in which positive or negative peer pressure affects decision-making.
• role play situations in which manipulation affects decision-making.

TOP...