ADOLESCENCE PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Adolescence physical and cognitive development

Adolescence physical and cognitive development

Adolescence - Learning and development

Adolescence is considered as a normal part of the human life span, connecting middle childhood and young adulthood, this period consists of three separate phases: early, middle, and late adolescence. The adolescent years extend roughly from age 10 to age 22. It is common to mark the beginning of the teenage years as the entrance to adolescence; most people consider that the onset of puberty, or the beginning of sexual maturity, as a sign of an individual's passage from middle childhood to adolescence.

While the physical changes of puberty are an important indicator signalling adolescent development, many other kinds of changes also occur during the adolescent years; cognitive, self-concept, social / moral reasoning and the ability to think abstractly. Although this developmental period of life needn't be an uncommonly stressful time, adolescents do encounter stresses. Most adolescents are well adjusted individuals not depressed mixed up people as is commonly thought, possessing rather than lacking in self-control and confidence. At the same time it must be recognised some adolescents exhibit signs of disturbance and can suffer severe life crisis.

Early adolescence

The initial period of change that marks the adolescent years is called early adolescence, which extends roughly from age 10 to age 14. During these years, the individual is expected to make certain transitions. An early adolescent is expected to move from the security of a junior school to the stress of a secondary school education. However, in preindustrial societies, where the notion of teachers and schools differs from that in industrial societies, education occurs by working closely with skilled adults, often as an apprentice.

Middle adolescence

Middle adolescence coincides with time spent in secondary education namely, ages 15 through 17 these years are marked by increased independence in decision-making and increased time away from home and with peers.

Late adolescence

Late adolescence comprises the final years of the adolescent period ages 18 to 22. Separating from parents and gaining independence are responsibilities that mark the lives of many young people during their late adolescent years. Some adults, even in there 30s and 40s, seem never to have entered adulthood.

Views on Adolescence development

Divergent views about adolescence have emerged in the 20th century. Some scholars consider adolescence to be a time of exceptional storm and stress, (Barker, 1976; Bios, 1976/1979j; A. Freud, 1958/1969; S. Freud, Haim, 1974; Hall, 1904; Stone & Church, 1973). Several researchers have considered Adolescents to be members of a subculture at odds with adults, peer pressure and parental influence are regarded as having adverse effects on adolescent Children. However, a growing body of research has challenged the notion that Adolescence is typically a time of turmoil and strain, asserting instead that the adolescence years are marked by relative calm and stability for most children (Bandura, 1964/1980; Connell, Stroobant, Sinclair, & Rogers, 1975; Offer, 1969, 1984; Offer, Ostrov, Howard, & Atkinson, 1988

Theory In Child Development

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