Introduction

Adolescence
~is a transitional stage of physical &
mental human development that
occurs between childhood and
adulthood.
~ ages : 13-19 years
~ divided into 3 stages – early, middle
& late adolescence
 5 major categories of
changes
i) physical
ii) cognitive
iii) emotional
iv) social
v) behavioral
Early adolescence (12
-14 years )
Physical
Growth spurt
Puberty onset
~ stage in which a child develops
secondary sex characteristics
~ girls : ages 10-12
boys : ages 12-14
Changes in height & weight
 Cognitive
Capacity for abstract thought
Increasing career interests
- Mostly interested in present and near
future
- Greater ability to work
Improved abilities to use speech to
express oneself
 Emotional
Girls ahead of boys
Shyness, blushing, and modesty
More showing off
Greater interest in privacy
Worries about being normal
Struggle with sense of identity
Moodiness
 Social
Close friendships gain importance
Peer group influences interests and
clothing styles
want to fit in their peers yet achieve
their own unique style as well
~ spend hours concerned with their
physical appearance
 Behavior
More likely to express feelings by
action than by words
Tendency to return to childish
behavior
Less attention shown to parents,
with occasional rudeness
Realization that parents are not
perfect; identification of their faults
 Behavior (cont)
Search for new people to love in
addition to parents
Rule and limit testing
Occasional experimentation with
cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol
MIDDLE ( 14 - 17 years)
Physical Development
Most youth have entered or
completed puberty
Less variation in levels of growth and
sexual development
Achieve their full adult height and
other adult physical development
milestones
Concern with their physical
appearance
Concern about body size, shape or
 Emotional
Intense self-focus on worrying what
others think about them
Increase desire for privacy and
sensitivity about body
Frequent mood swings
Increase interest in the opposite sex
Decreased conflict with parents
Deeper capacity for caring, sharing
and development of more intimate
(Cont’d..)
Questions more frequently
Thinks about and begins to form
their code of ethics
Thinks about different possibilities
and begin to develop own identity
Begins to think long term
Begins to plan for their future goal
 Cognitive changes
Can discern the underlying principles
of various phenomena and apply in
new situation
Considering many possibilities and
logical outcomes
Increased empathy and new interest
in societal issues
 LATE (17 - 19 YEARS)
Cognitive development
Firmer identity
Ability to think ideas through
Ability to make independent
decisions
Ability to compromise   
Pride in one's work
Self-reliance
Higher level of concern for the future
 Emotional
Ability to express feelings in words
Greater emotional stability
Greater concern for others
 Social development
Concerned with serious relationships
Family influence in balance with peer
influence
Clear sexual identity
Capacities for tender and sensual
love
Behavioral development
Capable of useful insight
Stress on personal dignity and self-
esteem
Ability to set goals and follow
through
Acceptance of social institutions and
cultural traditions
Self-regulation of self esteem
THANK YOU…