Stages of Adolescence By Katelyn Dibrell

Definition "Adolescence is the period of life from about 13 to early 20s, during which a person is no longer physically a child but not yet an independent, self-supporting adult"

Stages Overview Early Adolescence: puberty begins, desire for independence, abstract thinking, greatly influenced by their peers (11-13) Middle Adolescence: end of puberty, greater self-involvement, goal-setting, new friends (14-18) Late Adolescence: end of physical development, thinking about the future, stronger sense of identity, serious relationships (19-21)

Examining Different Types of Development Physical: Puberty begins and end, allowing the body to grow and reach sexual maturity

Examining Different Types of Development Cognitive: Initially focused on the present and not consequences, but over time begin to plan for the future and set achievable goals + Attempt to gain independence by distancing selves from parents  + Struggle with identity but find stability with age

Examining Different Types of Development Psychosocial: Strongly influenced by peer group early on but begin to branch out to new groups as identity consolidates + Romantic relationships in early years are short-lived but in later years longer-term relationships develop

Adolescent Development & Piaget's Formal Operational Stage Begins at 11 or 12 but continues into adulthood Abstract concepts, deductive reasoning, problem-solving Instead of relying on previous experiences, individuals consider potential outcomes within hypothetical scenarios 

Early Adolescence (11-13) Physical: Onset of puberty--body hair, weight gain, height increase, and sexual interest + Girls: breasts and menstruation + Boys: genitals, voice deepens + Overall, girls' development is faster than boys’

Early Adolescence (11-13) Cognitive: Abstract thought, interest in careers, but more focused on the present and near future Psychosocial: Awkward about developing bodies, influenced by peer group, struggle with identity + Rule and limit testing and a strong desire for independence (may argue more with parents and spend more time with friends) + Inability to evaluate long-term consequences explains the rashness of adolescent behavior + Many researchers believe that certain aspects of "rebellion" may be necessary for breaking away from childhood dependence on parents and becoming a self-sufficient adult

Middle Adolescence (14-18) Physical: Puberty ends and physical growth continues at a slower rate for girls but is still steady for boys Cognitive: Goal-setting, moral reasoning, existentialism 

Middle Adolescence (14-18) Psychosocial: Self-involvement that oscillates between unrealistic high expectations and anxiety about failure + Lowered opinions of parents + Selection of role models + New friends and focus on popularity + Love and passion, with frequently changing relationships and concerns about sexual attractiveness

Late Adolescence (19-21) Physical: Most girls are fully developed but boys often continue to grow Cognitive: future-oriented thinking, sense of identity, emotional stability, self-reliance, delay of gratification, moral reasoning Psychosocial: clearer sexual identity, serious relationships, cultural traditions might gain importance