Psychologists say that teens join peer groups to establish identities separate from their families.
Gothdom seems especially repugnant to parents, however, because its fascination with vampires and death clashes with Judeo-Christian ideals. And they do try to be different from their parents. But parents should watch for signs that indicate their teen's rebellion may involve something other than growing pains. Cult expert Rand Johnson , a West Jordan police captain, said other signs of a troubled teen are loss of a sense of humor, avoidance of family members, a change in sleeping habits, loss of touch with reality and an increase in fear or anxiety. McCormick urged parents to seek professional help if their teen is acting inappropriately.