Adolescent Development: Stages, Signs & Changes

Adolescent Development: Stages, Signs & Changes

What Is Adolescence?

It is the period or phase of human growth and development that occurs between childhood and adulthood.

Stages Of Adolescence

There are three (3) Primary stages of development in adolescence

• Early Adolescence (Ages 10-14): This developmental phase is the onset of puberty. The teenagers experience significant changes in their growth. Cognitively, their capacity for abstract thoughts like objects, principles, and ideas that are not physically present is limited but intellectual interests expand and are piqued more.
• Middle Adolescence (Ages 15-17): In this developmental phase, puberty is completed. Physical growth reduces in the females but continues in males. In this stage, adolescents have an increased capacity for abstract thoughts and they begin to set long term goals for themselves. They also exhibit an increased drive for independence and several social and emotional changes.
• Late Adolescence/Young Adulthood (Ages 18-21): In this developmental phase, adolescents and young adults experience fewer physical developments and more cognitive developments. They can think about ideas rationally, plan for the future, gain a firm sense of identity, and develop increased emotional stability and independence.

Signs Of Adolescence

A teenager may grow several inches in several months and this may be accompanied by a period of very slow growth.

This process differs in every teenager as some teens may experience the signs of maturity listed below sooner or later than others.

Some Signs In Males Include:

• Voice change: Their voices get deeper and may even crack but the cracking would stop with time.
• Hair starts growing in their genital area, chest, face, arms, and legs.
• As their puberty hormones increase, their skin may become oily and this can lead to acne.
• Increase in body size (weight & height).
• The hair becomes darker and coarser.
• There is an increase in the size of their genitals.
• Sperm production begins

Some Signs In Females Include:

• Increase in body growth- size and height.
• Increase in breast size.
• Hair growth in the pubic region and genitals.
• Wider hips.
• Skin changes which may cause acne.
• Hair growth.
• Menstruation and ovulation.
• Vaginal discharge

What Emotional Changes Occur In Adolescence?

These changes differ among adolescents.

• The way a teen responds to family or friends may change.
• Many become self-conscious and are likely to experience mood swings, anxiety, confusion, and sensitivity.
• However, there is more to the changes because it is also a time in which the young person learns about his or her interests and goals and learns to relate to others more maturely.
• While some of these physical and emotional changes are a normal part of adolescence, it is important to seek medical or psychological counsel if there are signs that seem abnormal.