What Happens During Adolescence? Puberty, Growth & Emotional Shifts
It is a stage that is termed as a transitional stage of physical and physiological development, These developments occur from the period of puberty to the period of adulthood. This period is mainly associated with the teenage years. But the physical and physiological changes can start before that and also end after that. In females, puberty begins at the early stages of preadolescence. And in males, these physical changes can even extend up to the age of later twenties. So age should not be considered as a fixed parameter for adolescence but only has a rough marker.
As a society, it is very important for us to understand all these aspects thoroughly because these are the living transitions that one day every individual has to go through. This explains our adolescence definition. We understood the adolescence meaning or we can say puberty meaning.
Puberty Meaning
To thoroughly understand adolescence we also need to study history, biology, sociology, history and anthropology. As we read above it is a transitional phase from childhood to adulthood. It is also a transitional phase in the life of an individual in terms of career perspectives and relations. As the adolescence phase ends, the adulthood stage of an individual begins. In different countries, there are different ages that are considered for a child to be mature. In different countries, there are very different age groups when the family thinks that their child is mature enough for the world and can handle the pressure and they can thus thrust upon them. There are different ages of attaining a driving license, a voter identification card and also minimum ages for the marriage. Purchases of tobacco, consuming alcohol and legal sexual relationships are also based on their age criteria. This also explains teenager meaning.
Adolescence Stage
The adolescence meaning or the adolescent development in biological terminology can be defined as a period when there is a physical transition in an individual and thus a termination of physical growth. There are also changes in the mindset of the growing individual which can be like the ability to answer logically and think in a multi-dimensional way and an abstract manner. These are the cognitive changes that happen. The major biological changes are the changes in the sex organs, change in height and weight of the individual, growth in muscle mass of the body and there are some changes in the structure and organization of the brain. These changes are a subject of vast study for scientists.
The researchers in the neuro-science department are very much interested in these sorts of changes. They can research the hormones that bring about these changes and how the number of hormones can produce different effects on the individual. The research scholars also study the ways in which these hormones are most active and also the ways in which they become inactive and influence the growth of the individual and the changes that take place inside his/her body in the adolescent years.
Biological Changes
As we know that puberty is the age when there is rapid growth in the human body. Adolescence meaning is that there are various physical and psychological changes that occur in the individual in the adolescent years. 11 for girls and 12 for boys is the major age for the onset of puberty. But these ages can vary from individual to individual on the basis of hereditary and environmental factors. Diet and exercise contribute majorly to act as the influencers for the growth of the body.
The above factors are the major contributors to precocious and delayed puberty. The height, weight and body composition of the individual changes very much. There are changes in the size of the body organs. The circulatory and respiratory systems of the body are also changed to a greater extent. As we read the hormones are the major game changers and they play a major role in the development of these features during the adolescent years. Behavioural changes and physical changes are induced by hormones. At the time of puberty, there is a surge in the amount of hormone production and this is responsible for the physical changes that take place in the body. There is a development in the secondary sex characteristics. In boys, their voice gets deeper and Adam's apple grows bigger in size.
In girls, there is an increase in breast size and hips get more curved. The pituitary gland is mainly responsible for these changes as it is the master gland and it secretes hormones that trigger the hypothalamus to secrete sex hormones. There is rapid growth in male and female gonads and then these gonads produce the majority of the sex hormones. The testes release the testosterone hormone and the ovaries release the estrogen hormone. Facial hairs in males start appearing. Soon these hairs started growing on the chin and the upper part of the lip. In males, the major landmark of the start of adolescence is the first ejaculation that is known as spermarche and in females, it is the release of the egg that is known as menarche. These two phases mark the beginning of puberty or adolescence years.
Cognitive Development
There is rapid cognitive development in the period of adolescence. The thoughts of the individuals start taking abstract forms and the egocentric thoughts start decreasing. This gives a wider perspective to the individual to think and answer. These cognitive skills are associated with the prefrontal cortex. There is a change in the thoughts, ideas and concepts of the individual. These thoughts are then responsible for the future life of the individual. As the hormones start reacting to the whole body of the individual, they bring changes in the structure and spheres of the brain as well.
Some behavioural changes are also accompanied by these changes. There is an improvement in selective attention of the individual and they can focus on different things at the same time. Due to the influence of hormones on the brain, there is an improvement in the memory of the individual. The adults are able to think and process things at a very fast pace than the child. There is also an increase in the self-control of the individual. The ability to make quick and good judgements is also increased. IQ knowledge though is not improved substantially.
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Promoting Positive Behaviour
As these adolescent years are a major turning point in the life of the individuals so it is important that they are treated with good decisions because this will change the life of the individual. Addiction to drugs is the major issue that is encountered in today’s society. These youth become addicted to drugs, sexual abuse happens and there is also peer pressure in the terms of making a career. By understanding above about all the adolescent years and changes that happen in the life of the individual, these years are tackled with utmost care and love by their parents and elders. The children must be guided to the right paths so that they can do better in their future life. This explains the adolescence definition psychology.
FAQs on Understanding Adolescence: Key Stages & Changes
1. What is adolescence, and at what age does it typically start and end?
Adolescence is the transitional phase in human growth and development between childhood and adulthood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 19. This period is marked by the onset of puberty, which brings about significant physical, psychological, and social changes.
2. What are the three main stages of adolescence and their typical age ranges?
Adolescence is generally divided into three key stages, each with distinct developmental milestones:
Early Adolescence (Ages 10-13): Characterised by the beginning of puberty, rapid physical growth, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Middle Adolescence (Ages 14-17): Physical changes continue, and this stage is marked by the development of a stronger sense of identity, increased peer influence, and the emergence of abstract thinking.
Late Adolescence (Ages 18-21+): The individual has typically completed physical development and focuses on consolidating their identity, making career choices, and developing more mature relationships.
3. What are the primary and secondary sexual characteristics that develop in boys during puberty?
During puberty, boys develop both primary and secondary sexual characteristics. The primary characteristic is the enlargement of the testes and scrotum. The secondary sexual characteristics include:
Growth of facial hair (moustache and beard) and body hair (chest, underarm, and pubic area).
Deepening of the voice due to the growth of the larynx (Adam's apple).
Increased muscle mass and broadening of the shoulders.
The beginning of sperm production (spermatogenesis).
4. What are the key physical changes, including menarche, that girls experience during adolescence?
In girls, adolescence brings significant physical changes driven by hormones. The main changes include:
Development of breasts.
Widening of the hips and pelvis.
Growth of underarm and pubic hair.
The onset of ovulation and menstruation. The first menstrual period is a key event known as menarche.
5. How do hormones like testosterone and estrogen trigger and control the physical changes seen during puberty?
The changes of puberty are controlled by the endocrine system. The pituitary gland releases hormones called gonadotropins (LH and FSH). These hormones stimulate the gonads (testes in males, ovaries in females). In response:
The testes produce testosterone, the principal male sex hormone responsible for developing male secondary sexual characteristics.
The ovaries produce estrogen, the primary female sex hormone that drives the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and regulates the menstrual cycle.
6. Why do adolescents often experience mood swings and become more self-conscious?
Adolescent mood swings and self-consciousness are caused by a combination of hormonal and neurological factors. Fluctuating levels of hormones like estrogen and testosterone can directly impact mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. Simultaneously, the adolescent brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for judgment and the limbic system handling emotions, is still developing. This mismatch can lead to emotional volatility. Increased self-consciousness arises from newly developed abstract thinking skills, which cause them to think more about how others perceive them.
7. What is spermatogenesis and when does it begin in males?
Spermatogenesis is the biological process of producing mature sperm from male germ cells in the testes. This process is a key milestone of male puberty and typically begins between the ages of 12 and 14. Once it starts, spermatogenesis continues throughout a male's adult life, ensuring the continuous production of sperm.
8. How does an adolescent's relationship with their parents and peers typically change?
During adolescence, there is a natural and important shift in social relationships. The influence of the peer group becomes increasingly significant as adolescents seek acceptance and form their own identity outside the family. This often leads to a desire for more independence and privacy from parents, which can sometimes cause conflict. However, this process is a normal part of developing autonomy, and in late adolescence, relationships with parents often evolve into a more mature, adult-like connection.
9. How do key neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, influence an adolescent's brain and decision-making?
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in adolescent brain development and behaviour. The dopamine system, which is associated with reward and pleasure, becomes highly active. This heightened sensitivity to reward can drive adolescents towards exciting and novel experiences, but also contributes to increased risk-taking behaviour. Meanwhile, the serotonin system, which helps regulate mood and impulse control, is still maturing. The combination of these developing systems can lead to impulsive decisions and emotional highs and lows.
10. What is the importance of personal hygiene during adolescence?
Personal hygiene becomes critically important during adolescence due to hormonal changes. Increased activity of sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands leads to more perspiration and oil production, which can cause body odour and acne. Maintaining good hygiene by bathing regularly, using deodorant, and keeping the skin clean is important for:
Preventing skin infections and health problems.
Promoting social acceptance and confidence.
Building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
