BTLED-HE 223

CHILD AND ADOLESCENCE DEVELOPMENT

Group 8

ADOLESCENCE AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS

Adolescence came from the Latin word “adolescere,” which meant “to grow up or to grow into
maturity” (Lerner & Steinberg, 2009, p.1). Adolescence is a transitional age of physical and
psychological human development generally occurring during the period from the puberty to
legal adulthood (age of majority). The period of adolescence is most closely associated with the
teenage years, though its physical, psychological and cultural expressions can begin earlier and
end later.

3 Main Stages of Adolescence

1. Early Adolescence (9-13 years)- characterized by a spurt of growth and the development of
secondary sexual characteristics

2. Middle Adolescence (14-15 years)- this stage is distinguished by the development of a

separate identity from parents, of new relationships with peer groups and the opposite sex, and
of experimentation

3. Late Adolescence (16-19 years)- At this stage, adolescents have fully developed physical
characteristics (similar to adults), and have formed a distinct identity and have well-formed
opinions and ideas (NCERT 1999).

A. Characteristics of an Adolescent
Adolescence is the exciting yet stressful time when your child transitions into adulthood. Many
rapid changes and developments take place during this time, and it’s not always a smooth ride.
Through the physical, cognitive and psychological changes, your child will begin to discover who
they are and where they belong.
A. 1. Cognitive Changes of Adolescence

•Brain development in adolescence is on a higher level than that of childhood.

•They can deal with abstractions, test hypotheses and see infinite possibilities. Yet adolescents
still often display egocentric behaviors and attitudes.
•During cognitive development in adolescence, large numbers of neurons grow rapidly. This
allows for more complex, sophisticated thinking.
•Teenager may have lapses in judgment.
•You may see increase in risk-taking behaviors and mood swings.
•Mental characteristics that develop during adolescence include improved:
Abstract thinking, Reasoning skills, Impulse control, Creativity, Problem-solving abilities,
Decision-making skills
A. 2. Physical Changes of Adolescence

•This includes changes that occur through a process called puberty. During puberty, your child’s
brain releases certain hormones. The hormones cause your child’s body to physically change
and their sexual organs to mature.
•Your child will likely experience a growth spurt. During this time, they’ll grow rapidly in height
and weight.
•It may includes body odor, acne and an increase in body hair.
• Most girls and adolescents assigned female at birth (AFAB) have growth spurts between the
ages of 10 and 14. Most boys and adolescents assigned male at birth (AMAB) have growth
spurts between the ages of 14 and 17.
•Girls and adolescents AFAB will begin to develop breasts. This can happen as young as age 10
and should start by age 14. They’ll also experience their first period (menstruation).
•Boys and adolescents AMAB will see their penis and testicles grow. They’ll begin to experience
erections and ejaculations.
A. 3. Emotional Changes of Adolescence

•They are unpredictable emotionally, are sensitive and prone to outbursts.

•Are vulnerable to emotional pleas and can be easily manipulated
•Exhibit an increasing capacity for empathy

•Experience increasing sexual feeling may engage in sexual behavior without realizing
consequences
A. 4. Social Changes of Adolescence

•Display a more developed social consciousness

•Are more aware of relationships and have a strong need to belong
•Exhibit desire for independence and autonomy
•Experience a shift in dependence on family to dependence on peers
•Able to critically compare parents with others
•Seek deeper friendship based on shared interests loyalty
•Experience increased interest in opposite sex, though may afters feel uncomfortable and
awkward with the other sex
A. 5. Moral Changes of Adolescence
•Tend to be legalistic, focusing on “rules” and “fairness”
•Refrain moral belief of parents but begin to test rules of childhood
•Are influenced by the values of peers
•Form a more personal conscience, seek moral criteria that make sense to them
•Exhibit a stronger sense of responsibility towards larger society

References:
https://www.slideshare.net/jaipurrao/adolescence-characteristics-and-problems-22805236
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7060-adolescent-development

Names:

Tero, Marjorie C.

Aballe, Jendelyn T.