Question

Explain the three stages of adolescence.

Answer 1

The three stages of adolescence are as follows.

1. Early period (10 to 14 years)- The changes during this stage include beginning of the appearance of secondary sexual characters ; growth reaches to its peak; rapid physical growth; concrete thinking; definingboundariesof dependence/independence; self exploration; developing body image; development of intense friendship; seeking to counter instability and evaluation.
2. Middle period (15 to 17 years)-It is characterized by almost complete full development of secondary sexual characteristic; growth slows down, approximately 95 % of the adult stature is attained; thinking is more abstract; concrete thinking under stressful conditions; re-establishing of body image capable of long range thinking; sense of leadership and all powerfulness; preoccupied with romantic fantasy; ability testing to attract opposite sex, peer group help defining behavioral code etc.
3. Late period (18 to 19 years)-It is characterized by establishment of total physical maturity established abstract thinking, intellectual and functional identity; peer group recedes in favor of individual relationship, stable relationship and change from childhood to adulthood relationship.