Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood (age of majority). Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years, but its physical, psychological or cultural expressions may begin earlier and end later. For example, puberty now typically begins during preadolescence, particularly in females. Physical growth (particularly in males) and cognitive development can extend into the early twenties. Thus age provides only a rough marker of adolescence, and scholars have found it difficult to agree upon a precise definition of adolescence.
Describe the developmental period of adolescence
A thorough understanding of adolescence in society depends on information from various perspectives including psychology, biology, history, sociology, education and anthropology. Within all of these perspectives are several developmental stages: biological changes; cognitive changes; social changes; identity formation/exploration; morality/behavioral regulation.
Biological Changes During this stage adolescent’s individual differences become more pronounced as hormones surging through their body signals sexual maturity. These hormones are responsible for many physical transformations such as rapid height growth spurt especially among boys who start growing taller than girls at this age increased muscle mass acne production deeper voice etc Boys experience enlargement of testes penis scrotum thinning pubic hair growth whereas Girls experience breast budding widening hips hair production around pubic area etc Puberty also means greater risk for health problems like sexually transmitted diseases drug abuse alcohol abuse eating disorders depression anxiety
Cognitive Changes – As adolescents move through different stages they will face new challenges socially emotionally physically Educationally This is known as “coming-of-age” The prefrontal cortex which helps control decision making reasoning abstract thinking creativity self monitoring problem solving executive functioning matures quickly during this period allowing teens to think logically through situations They also begin thinking abstractly using metaphors symbols or generalizations while evaluating consequences before acting out impulsively
Social Changes – Encounters with peers become increasingly complex during adolescence Relationships range from intimate close friendships to casual acquaintances Roles between friends change drastically due to rivalries crushes breakups etc Teens will seek out more independence by spending more time away from parents Pursuing hobbies activities developing hobbies interests joining team sports exploring new career paths entering college programs etc Teens start taking on more responsibilities such as working part-time jobs volunteering extracurricular activities Junior Achievement U S Dream Academy Leadership Programs YMCA After School Programs Job Corps Program enrolling in internships school plays drama groups ballet classes band choir dance photography video recording cooking providing services around the house babysitting tutoring yardwork helping family members
Identity Formation & Exploration – As teens enter their teenage years they must grapple with questions related to identity Who am I What do I value How should I express myself They must explore both internal conflicts external influences values religious beliefs culture Gender roles ethnicity life purpose sexuality politics social norms This exploration comes about through interactions with family friends peers teachers mentors media books magazines movies television music art role models fashion blogs YouTube vlogs Instagram Snapchat Psychologists believe this process helps create an integrated sense of self In other words teens learn how each part fits together forming one cohesive whole
Morality & Behavioral Regulation – Adolescent morality centers on determining right wrong acceptable unacceptable behaviors Discussion about moral issues becomes commonplace Rules regulations guidelines expectations laws values codes customs beliefs attitudes opinions rights restrictions privileges liberty authority justice punishment guilt shame empathy trust loyalty respect honesty integrity love hate anger fear pride joy sorrow courage faith compassion charity hope despair sadness gratitude humility forgiveness modesty grace mercy sympathy tolerance spirituality sensuality passion wisdom community kindness patience generosity beauty intimacy solitude vanity arrogance dependency poverty contentment abundance courage acceptance