About Adolescent Meaning.Age

About Adolescence

Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood in human development, extending mainly over the teen years and terminating when the age of maturity is reached i.e. youth. According to WHO, adolescence is the intermediate period in human growth and development that occur after childhood and before adulthood, from the age of 10 to 19. This has several stages and changes. An adolescent should understand that the changes and phenomenon happening to them are normal and natural ones. This unit describes sexual orientation and human reproductive process briefly.

Ø  Stages of Adolescence

Adolescence is a time of great change. Therefore, it is called a transitional phase of development. During this period, young people experience physical, cognitive, social, emotional and interpersonal changes as well. As they grow and develop, young people are influenced by outside factors, such as their environment, culture, religion, school and the media. Adolescence can be classified into three stages: early adolescence, middle adolescence and late adolescence.

Ø Early adolescence(approximately 10-14 years)

Early adolescence is the first stage of adolescence and it occurs from the age of 10-14. Puberty
usually beings during this stage. People in this stage become aware of their rapidly changing bodied and start to worry about their physical appearance. They might experience shyness, blushing, modesty, and a greater interest in privacy.

Ø  Middle adolescence (approximately 15-17 years)

Middle adolescence is the second stage and occurs from the age of 15-17. By this time puberty has passed. Teens in this stage are extremely concerned with how they look, they think others are concerned too. They spend a large amount of time grooming, exercising, modifying their physical appearance.

Ø Late adolescence (approximately 17-19 years)

Late adolescence is the last stage of adolescence. By this time, they move toward independence. They have got a firm identity and ability to express ideas. They are concerned with serious relationships. Most girls are fully developed; boys continue to gain health, weight, muscle mass, body hair