Adolescence Psychology and the Development of Self

      

Adolescence is a period transition that takes place between childhood and adulthood. Adolescence begins at the time of puberty. Children who are just entering the phase of adolescence in their lives are going through a lot of changes which include physical, emotional, intellectual, social development, and many more.

These changes can be rapid and inconvenient for them at the same time. The rate of change in adolescents depends on people's health, gender, and environment.

Researchers say adolescents go through the primary developmental stages of adolescence, in these years from puberty to adulthood, which can be roughly divided into three stages:

• Early Adolescence (ages 10 to 13)- During this period, adolescents go through the beginning of their puberty. Both males and females see and feel great growth and changes in their bodies. The sexual interest of both sexes increases. There are changes in the body of teenagers as well as their intellectual and emotional thinking during the period of adolescence. At this stage, adolescents have limited ability to think abstract ideas.

• Middle Adolescence (ages 14 to 17)- At this age, the puberty of both sexes is completed. Physical growth is slow in women but continues for men. This stage promotes development in the abstract ideas of adolescents. Adolescence is the stage when adolescents are more interested in their life, in their self-growth, their career, and their long-term goals.

• Late Adolescence (ages 18 to 21)- This stage is also called young adulthood. Now in this stage males and females go through minor physical developments. At this age, adolescents begin to think about their future plans, think rationally. Adolescents at this stage in life start to feel independent and they have the stability of emotional and intellectual thinking.

Characteristics of Adolescence 

 

1. Adolescence is an important period

Adolescence can be a difficult period in human life but adolescence is also an important period of human life. Adolescence is difficult not only for teenagers but also for families as many physical, emotional, and intellectual changes take place during adolescence. Teenagers try to decide their future goals and their career path while facing daily challenges in their life.

2. The phase of rapid change

Adolescence is a period of transition and rapid change. There are many changes in the life of teenagers during this period. This stage is the stage of confusion in the life of an adolescent, as he is neither a child because he has crossed the stage of childhood nor he an adult as he is yet to enter the age of adulthood.

3.  Sexual arousal

In this period, boys and girls think that they are living in a fairytale. Boys and girls are attracted to their opposite sex and thus increase sexual arousal.

4. Arrogant age

At the time of adolescence, where adolescents want to improve, but at this age, many adolescents develop ego or anger in them. They believe that they want to solve their problems on their own. They also have an "I know it all" attitude. And this attitude might also lead to arguments with their parents.

5. Intensely stressful and emotional period

There is a lot of excitement in the life of teenagers during this period but also sadness. Boys and girls might deal with their love life and personal life issues. Which excites and frustrates them at the same time. And their "I know it all" attitude also hurts a lot when they can't do anything in their life.

6. The phase of ethics and sacrifice

In this period, the adolescents also grow a lot and might have also excelled in their lives. And they might also show their high moral value in different ways by providing social services or helping others.

7. Self-development period

Adolescents are serious about themselves in their life, want to focus on their life goals, career, and themselves. They focus on their growth and development in their life.

 

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Adolescents or youth are at a critical point in their lives. It is possible that due to the sadness and depression of their lives, they get into the wrong company, get addicted to drugs, indulge themselves in sexual activities, get involved in illegal activities. 

It is an age where the major changes in the life of a human being take place. Major changes can be seen in the health of an adolescent and their health-related behaviors, this includes indulging in sexual activities, smoking, drugs, lack of physical health attention, etc. 

The things and the aspects that take place in the life of an adolescent impacts their future goals and life. The changes, the growth, the developments, and the decisions that would take place at the time of adolescence in the life of an adolescent will define their character and personality in the future. 

Parents and friends play a big part in an adolescent’s life. Parents should help their children when they go through this important phase of their life. 

At this stage, young people really need the help of support and love. The love and support that parents can shower on their children will help them grow and develop in their lives. And promote a self-positive attitude, self-esteem, self-confidence, and think positive.

This will help children to make the right decisions and get a clear idea about their career and life goals. Parents should always support their young kids.

Written By- Tamanna Rathor