A Brief on Adolescence

Adolescence is a precarious yet extremely essential stage of life where humans learn more about the world and how we fit into the tapestry of society surrounding us. Up till this point of our life we have been shielded from most aspects of the world and it is during this time where curiosity takes the helm in our discovery of self.

What is Adolescence?

Adolescence, like all other periods of life, cannot be the same experience and changes for all individuals and neither can it begin at a specific time for all. However, it has narrowed down to an approximate time period and various characteristic changes that can generally be observed throughout this stage of life. Therefore, adolescence can be defined as a developmental period occurring between childhood and adulthood from the tentative age of 12-19 that is demarcated with certain biological, cognitive and socio-emotional changes. Some physical and socio-emotional developments can also be observed early in individuals from the age of 9-12, which is also called the preteen years.

The years of adolescence are known as one of the most difficult times of an individual's life as they juggle with new and larger concepts such as self-identity while they are slowly evolving from a child’s body to one more adult-like. Their familiarisation with their own bodies and surroundings often becomes a trial-and-error effort, but the ability to reflect and mature helps them on their journey to adulthood.

There are three stages of Adolescence:

Early Adolescence
Early adolescence is generally believed to occur from 10 to 12 years. The rate of physical growth increases, starting first in the hands and feet and later in the limbs. In early adolescence, it has been observed that individuals start initiating independence from the family and express a desire for privacy. This usually leads to a clash between the wish for their autonomy and parental authority.

Middle Adolescence
It is a phase of that has mostly been observed to occur from 12 to 16 years. The peak of the height velocity curve is seen along with the development of auxiliary hair and sweat glands. In girls, menarche occurs and their bodies start to prepare for childbearing; the timing for this can be influenced by genetic factors and nutritional status. It is in middle adolescence, where school life and peer groups gain importance, sometimes exceeding other aspects of life like family. Physical maturation can influence school performance and aspirations for better achievement because the physical effect of pubertal development becomes incorporated into the self-image.

Late Adolescence
It is seen to occur from 16 to 19 years. The body seems to have developed almost completely into a young adult in terms of physical features and development of secondary sex characteristics has also been completed. In late adolescence, career decisions are finally traced, giving purpose in their life and allowing them to slowly reconnect with their family with a new perspective towards life.