A Need to be Needed Today, adolescents are seen as spectators of adult culture, and in many ways don't feel as needed by family as they did decades ago when children spent most of their time completing specific chores for their parents in the house or on the farm. The only real functions adolescents serve today are to be consumers of food, entertainment and schooling. Middle schools should be aware of this need and try to find ways for students to participate in events that benefit others or society in general. A Need to Need Individuals realize that work often gets done better as the result of a team effort than a singular effort.
Adolescents find value in team work and interdependence of team members cooperating well together.
When adolescents have the choice to choose research on a topic, they often choose topics that involve human nature, behavior, emotions, and life in the future. The interest in these topics leads to a better understanding of oneself and the processes operating inside the adolescent. A Need to Affect the Outer World For the first time in their lives, adolescents can see the differences between the world they live in and the ideals in which they believe. They have a need to make a difference and change the world they live in to become a better place. A Need for Intensity Adolescents have a high level of intensity, and need opportunities to channel this energy into something that interests them and affects others in a positive way.