Stages of Development for Adolescence - Research Paper Example

Stages of development for adolescence Stages of development for adolescence Adolescence is an important phase in the development of a person. A person between the ages of 12 to 19 years can be generally considered as an adolescent. But puberty is accepted as the sign of beginning of adolescence in boys and girls which can be varied from person to person. “The age at the time of puberty is variable. In Europe and United States, it has been declining at the rate of 1-3 months per decade for more than 175 years” (Dr. KHAKWANI et al, 2006, p.2). The end of childhood marks the beginning of adolescence whereas the end of adolescence marks the beginning of adulthood in one’s life. Physiological, social, intellectual, and emotional developments may attain rapid pace during the adolescent period. This paper briefly analyses the major changes happen to the above domains during the adolescence period of a person. Physiological changes during adolescence Puberty is the phase of transition from child to a matured person in one’s life. The entry of puberty marks the beginning of adolescence. In girls, puberty results in the beginning of menstrual periods which shows that the girl has attained reproduction ability. The girls may undergo rapid production of female hormones like estrogen during this period. On the other hand, adolescence results in following changes in boys; Height and weight increase, Body hair growth in the pubic area, under the arms, and on the face, Development of strong muscles become stronger, Vocal cords get thicker and longer - voices get deepen, The body develops an increased number of red blood cells, Sweat and oil glands become more active, and body odor changes, Acne can develop, Reproductive system begins to work (Physical Changes During Puberty for Boys, 2009) Physical growth is slow and uniform during childhood and hence the child has full control over his body during this period. On the other hand physical growth is rapid during adolescence which creates problems in controlling the body and making proper adjustments. Girls mature comparatively earlier than boys both physically and mentally. The sex organs in girls acquire maturity in girls much before that happens in boys. Intellectual changes during adolescence “In early adolescence, a child begins to develop the capacity for abstract, logical thought. This increased sophistication leads to an enhanced awareness of self and the ability to reflect on ones own being” (Intellectual and behavioral development, 2010). Adolescence is a period of rapid intellectual activities. Instinct of curiosity develops during this period. Abstract thinking, reasoning abilities, scientific thinking or the process of inductive and deductive reasoning, day dreaming the thirst for independence etc are some of the major intellectual changes happen during this period. During the mid adolescence period, the person may think more seriously about his career and make appropriate decisions to achieve a career of his personal interest. An adolescent may develop some interest in some particular areas based on his talents during this period. For example, a physically handicapped adult may develop singing or drawing abilities whereas a completely healthy adolescent person may develop interest in sports and games. In other words, the development of intelligence help the person to develop areas of interest based on his physical and mental abilities. Emotional changes during adolescence Risk taking attitudes are more during adolescence because of the increased thirst for recognition which results in the development of risky and antisocial behaviors like fast driving, risky sexual experiments, alcohol and drug use etc. “Recent studies of the nervous system have shown that the parts of the brain that suppress impulses are not fully mature until early adulthood” (Intellectual and behavioral development, 2010). Emotions during adolescence are intense and uncontrollable. At one moment an adolescent may shows full of hopes, ambitions and joy whereas on the next instant he/she might feels dejected and moody. In other words, adolescence is a period in which rapid fluctuations of emotions occur. The unpredictability of behaviors or moods of the adolescents is because of the above fact. When a person goes through adolescence, his pituitary gland, in brain becomes active. This gland sends messages to different parts of his body which may result in changes in some particular hormone levels in our body. These hormones may have strong association with the moods he generated and hence his/her moods are often related to the activities of the pituitary gland. “Over-eating, excessive sleepiness and a persistent over-concern with appearance may be signs of emotional distress” (The royal college of psychiatrists, n. d). Some adolescents may develop proud about their physical appearance whereas some others may not be happy about their physical appearance during this period. The former may exhibit more confidence and self esteem while dealing with others whereas the latter may try to avoid the company of others because of his inferiority feeling. Social changes during adolescence An adolescent has a strong desire to be accepted by others. The development of sexual hormones will force an adolescent to do everything possible to attract the opposite sex. He/she might be so particular about his/her appearances and will do everything possible to become pretty in front of others. Religious awakening is other major changes happen during adolescence. The beliefs developed during the childhood will be examined critically during this period which may result in accepting or rejecting his/her former beliefs. “More than half of young people in the UK will have had their first experience of sex before the age of 16 and so the risk of pregnancy is a significant part of adolescent life” (The royal college of psychiatrists, n. d). As mentioned earlier, sexual hormones are hyperactive during adolescence and hence teenagers develop a strong desire for sexual activities. The segregation between good and evil is difficult for teenagers or adolescents and they will engage in unsafe sexual activities which may result in unwanted pregnancies. Unwanted pregnancies is a big social problem in many countries because of the inability of the adolescents in controlling their sexual desire. In short, adolescence is a period in which a person undergoes rapid changes physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Streamlining of these changes in the right track will help the person to develop properly. References 1. Dr. KHAKWANI, M., DR. TARIQ, N., & DR. IMRAN ZAIDI, H. (2006). ADOLESCENT AGE GROUP. Professional Med J. Dec 2006; 13(4): 543-549. 2. Intellectual and behavioral development. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec23/ch270/ch270c.html 3. Physical Changes During Puberty for Boys. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.4parents.gov/sexdevt/boysmen/boyspuberty/index.html 4. The royal college of psychiatrists.( n. d). Surviving Adolescence - a toolkit for parents Retrieved from http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfoforall/youngpeople/adolescence.aspx Read More