La adolescence It is a stage of life in which the body of the boy, and of the girl, begins to experience big changes. With these changes, both mental and physical are preparing to be adults. However, these changes do not occur in all and all at the same time, or at the same rate.
That's why we talk about different stages or milestones within adolescence, and the maturation processes both emotionally, psychologically, and physically. More or less this is the consensus regarding these stages: pre-adolescence, early adolescence and late adolescence.
Preadolescence
We can consider that adolescence in Europe goes from 8 to 11 years. We therefore speak of cultures of the so-called first world. In this stage there is the transition between childhood and adolescence. It coincides with the onset of puberty.
In this stage, as in the rest, there are physical, emotional and psychological changes. One of the milestones that begin to appear at this stage is progress in thinking in abstract terms. Boys and girls begin to reflect on hypothetical situations or logical and mathematical operations. Begins to worry and measure the possible consecuencias of their actions. This is one of the first milestones of mature thinking.
It is also the time to fit in gender roles. Confusions or confirmation to avoid stereotypes related to appearance and role behaviors between men and women are presented.
Early adolescence
Early adolescence is established between the ages of 11 and 15. It is time for hormonal changes. The body changes completely, changes in voice, development of muscles and sexual organs. Girls also have voice changes, but the most obvious changes are chest growth, pubic hair, and a widening of the pelvis. There may also be an increase in body fat.
During early adolescence, the ability to think in abstract terms is fully conquered. You can get out of the concrete and carry out an analysis to find multiple solutions and alternatives. The gregariousness happens to have a very important role, references are sought outside the family. The group helps the adolescent to cope with conflictive situations, such as school failures, heartbreak or disagreements with parents. It is also going to be the main, or almost the main source of information. It is the way to build your own self-esteem and self-concept.
Many adolescents at this stage may be uncomfortable in their new adult body and hide it. They will also begin to express some shame at being naked and at the displays of affection from adults.
Late adolescence
This is the last of the stages of adolescence, and according to the WHO occurs approximately between 15 and 19 years. Some researchers consider that this phase does not differ substantially from adulthood. This is because it exists in certain cultures, like ours for example, but not in others. However, the psychological impact This stage in our society is real and, therefore, involves a series of milestones that influence the adolescent's maturation process.
This is the stage in which the social conscience, which makes it likely that young people are interested in social movements or politics. Two types of apparently contradictory behaviors or milestones appear: prosocial and antisocial. It is a renunciation of the egocentricity typical of the previous stages, although it does not disappear completely.
On a physical level, both they and they have reached the 95% of its developmentThey have a good sense of their body, they take care of it without peer pressure, and the brain continues to develop. With late adolescence, parents feel close to the adolescent, and vice versa. It is the moment of the beginning of balance for mothers, and that of opportunities for children.