Adolescence is the period from puberty to legal adulthood that involves physical and psychological development. It can be divided into three stages: early adolescence from ages 11-14, middle adolescence from ages 15-17, and late adolescence from ages 18-21. During this time, adolescents experience physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development as they transition towards independence and adult identities. Their physical growth is largely complete, cognitive abilities are sharpened, they assert independence from parents, and social circles expand beyond family to include peers.

1. Reaching the Age of
Adolescence
Class 8
Science (CBSE)
Prepared by John Kurian, 2nd Year B.Ed,
IGNOU

2. Adolescence
Adolescence the word derived from Latin adolescere,
meaning "to grow up" is a transitional stage of
physical and psychological human development that
generally occurs during the period from puberty to
legal adulthood (age of majority). The period of
adolescence is most closely associated with the teenage
years, though its physical, psychological and cultural
expressions may begin earlier and end later. For example,
although puberty has been historically associated with
the onset of adolescent development, it now typically
begins prior to the teenage years and
there has been a normative shift
of it occurring in preadolescence,
particularly in females.

3. Stages of Adolescence
Adolescence, these years from puberty to
adulthood, may be roughly divided into three
stages: early adolescence, generally ages
eleven to fourteen; middle adolescence, ages
fifteen to seventeen; and late adolescence, ages
eighteen to twenty-one. In addition to
physiological growth, seven key intellectual,
psychological and social developmental tasks are
squeezed into these years. The fundamental
purpose of these tasks is to form one’s own
identity and to prepare for adulthood.

4. Physical Development
Puberty is defined as the biological changes of adolescence. By mid-adolescence, if not
sooner, most youngsters’ physiological growth is complete; they are at or close to their
adult height and weight, and are now physically capable of having babies.
Most boys and girls enter adolescence still perceiving the world around them in concrete
terms: Things are either right or wrong, awesome or awful. They rarely set their sights
beyond the present, which explains younger teens’ inability to consider the long-term
consequences of their actions.
By late adolescence, many youngsters have come to appreciate subtleties of situations
and ideas, and to project into the future. Their capacity to solve complex problems and to
sense what others are thinking has sharpened considerably. But because they are still
relatively inexperienced in life, even older teens apply these newfound skills erratically
and therefore may act without thinking.
Intellectual Development

5. Emotional Development
• If teenagers can be said to have a reason for being (besides sleeping in
on weekends and cleaning out the refrigerator), it would have to be
asserting their independence. This demands that they distance
themselves from Mom and Dad. The march toward autonomy can
take myriad forms: less overt affection, more time spent with friends,
contentious behavior, pushing the limits—the list goes on and on. Yet
adolescents frequently feel conflicted about leaving the safety and
security of home. They may yo-yo back and forth between craving
your attention, only to spin away again.
Social Development
• Until now, a child’s life has revolved mainly around the family.
Adolescence has the effect of a stone dropped in water, as her social
circle ripples outward to include friendships with members of the
same sex, the opposite sex, different social and ethnic groups, and
other adults, like a favorite teacher or coach. Eventually teenagers
develop the capacity for falling in love and forming romantic
relationships.

6. Ref. https://www.healthychildren.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolescence