What does labeling theory suggest in the context of adolescence?

Labeling theory posits that individuals who are labeled in a certain way may start to adopt the behaviors associated with that label, particularly during adolescence, which is a critical period of identity development. When adolescents are labeled as "deviant," for instance, they may begin to internalize this label and conform to the expectations associated with it. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the act of being labeled as deviant encourages further deviant behavior, reinforcing the initial label.

In this context, the influence of peer groups, societal expectations, and institutional responses can magnify the effect of labeling. Adolescents are often in a phase of exploration and self-definition, making them particularly susceptible to the impacts of societal labels. Thus, rather than deterring undesirable behavior, such labels can contribute to an escalation of such behaviors, as the adolescents may feel marginalized and disengaged from societal norms and expectations.