Adolescent Stages of Development
Adolescence is probably the most difficult period in life of every individual since it is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood. In this period adolescents undergo significant changes in physiological, psychological and social aspects. Naturally, these changes produce a significant impact on their lifestyle, behaviour, psychology, etc.
Traditionally, adolescence is considered to start at preteens, mostly from around 9-10 years of age till 19-20 years of age. Basically, adolescence may be divided into three main stages middle childhood (8-11), early adolescence (11-14), and middle adolescence (15-18) while the last years of adolescence may be characterised as the last years when individuals
At this stage lower self-control and emotional stability may be observed.
Speaking about emotional and psychological development at this stage, it is necessary to point out that children need to develop a sense of mastery and accomplishment that is often accompanied by certain disorganisation and forgetfulness. It is also noteworthy that parents still remains important for children at this stage and the children’s involvement in the taking decisions concerning themselves remains rather low though it starts to increase dramatically as children grew older. Basically, the latter occurs with the beginning of puberty.
As for their peers, it should be pointed out that friendship is with same-gender peers. Also, at this stage, the formation of exclusive ‘clubs’ and shifting peer alliances may be observed. Finally, it is necessary to underline that mass media and pop culture produce a significant impact on children’s development, peer activities and relations at this stage.
Early Adolescence
The second stage of adolescence is early adulthood that starts at the age of 11 and lasts till 14. At this stage, an extremely rapid physical changes occur, since it is the puberty period that affects both genders. Often appetite increases, evident sexual changes occur, that results in voice changes and body ordor. In the state of a rapid physical growth, adolescents often have an increased need for