During an office visit for a sports injury, 16-year-old Derek's caregivers tell the nurse they are worried about changes in Derek's behavior. He has always been industrious in his schoolwork and very focused on sports. Now he has a girlfriend and seems to spend almost all of his time with her or on the phone with her and little or no time on his schoolwork. What information might the nurse offer these caregivers about Derek's behavior?
a) Derek has chosen a girl who is overly dependent on him. They should talk to him about making sure he meets his own needs, including doing the schoolwork he enjoys, in any relationship.
b) Derek has developed his own identity by now; being able to establish close relationships with girls is important preparation for all of his adult relationships. They should honor his need to be with or talk to his girlfriend as long as he has completed his schoolwork for the day.
c) Derek is not developmentally mature enough to make healthy choices about the ways in which he spends his time, so it would be helpful if they would make a schedule for him that includes about a half-hour per day to talk with his girlfriend.
d) Derek is not developmentally mature enough to have an intimate relationship with one girl; they should encourage him to spend time with groups of friends rather than time alone with his girlfriend.
Answer: Derek has developed his own identity by now; being able to establish close relationships with girls is important preparation for all of his adult relationships. They should honor his need to be with or talk to his girlfriend as long as he has completed his schoolwork for the day.