ADOLESCENCE

Managing Stress for a Good Life

 TABLE OF
CONTENTS
What is Adolescence?

Aspects of Development Social

Physical Language

Cognitive Identity Crisis

 WHAT IS
ADOLESCENCE?
Adolescence is the stage of life between
childhood and adulthood, usually from around 10
to 19 years old. It is a time when a person goes
through many big changes in the body, mind,
emotions, and social life.
 Physical
Development
 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Physical development during adolescence refers to the many

bodily changes that occur as a child transitions into an adult. This
stage of development typically happens between the ages of 10 and 19
and is one of the most significant and visible parts of growing up.

This period is marked by rapid growth, changes in body shape,

and the maturing of the reproductive system. These changes
are mainly triggered by a biological process called puberty, which is
controlled by hormones—chemical messengers that tell the body to
grow and develop in new ways.
 WHY DOES PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENT HAPPEN?
The human body is designed to change in order to reach sexual
maturity—the ability to reproduce. These changes are not just about
looks, but also about how the body works inside.

Puberty begins when the hypothalamus in the brain starts sending

signals to the pituitary gland, which then tells the body to release
sex hormones:

Estrogen in girls
Testosterone in boys

These hormones cause all the physical and emotional changes that
happen during adolescence.
 Physical
Developments
Growth Spurt
Changes in Body Shape and Composition
Development of Primary Sex Characteristics
Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics
Skin and Hair Changes
Voice Changes
 GROWTH SPURT
One of the first and most noticeable changes is a sudden increase in height and weight.
This is called a growth spurt.

Girls usually begin their growth spurt between ages 9 and 11, and it often slows down after
they start menstruating.
Boys usually start a bit later, between ages 11 and 13, and often grow for a longer period.

During this time:

Bones lengthen rapidly
Muscles grow
Hands and feet may grow faster than the rest of the body, making teens feel clumsy
 CHANGES IN BODY SHAPE
AND COMPOSITION

As the body grows, it also changes shape:

Girls develop wider hips, breasts, and gain more body fat, especially around the hips and
thighs. This is normal and part of preparing the body for potential childbirth.

Boys develop broader shoulders, more muscle mass, and their waist narrows. They
may also lose fat and look more lean.

These changes make boys’ and girls’ bodies look more like adult male and female bodies.
 DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY
SEX CHARACTERISTICS

These are the reproductive organs that become fully developed during puberty:

In girls, the ovaries start releasing eggs, the uterus and vagina mature, and menstruation
(periods) begin.

In boys, the testicles begin to produce sperm, the penis grows larger, and ejaculation
becomes possible.

These changes mean that adolescents are becoming physically capable of reproduction.
 DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY
SEX CHARACTERISTICS
These are the changes that make the body look more adult-like, but are not directly related to
reproduction:
Girls:
Breast development
Wider hips
Growth of underarm and pubic hair

Boys:
Facial hair, chest hair, and underarm/pubic hair
Deepening of the voice
Growth of the Adam’s apple
Increased muscle mass

These features help distinguish male and female bodies more clearly.
 SKIN AND HAIR CHANGES
Hormones also affect the skin and hair:

Skin becomes oilier, which can lead to acne.

Hair becomes coarser and darker, and starts to grow in new places
(underarms, pubic area, and face in boys).
Sweat glands become more active, leading to more sweating and
sometimes body odor.

Teens may need to start using products like deodorant, face wash, or acne
treatments.
 VOICE CHANGES
This is especially noticeable in boys:

The larynx (voice box) gets bigger and the vocal cords grow longer and
thicker.

This causes the voice to become deeper, and during the transition, it may
crack or squeak.

Girls may also experience a slight deepening of the voice, but it’s usually not as
dramatic.
 Cognitive
Development
 COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Cognitive development during adolescence is the process by which young

individuals improve their ability to think, reason, and understand more complex
ideas. As the brain continues to mature—particularly the prefrontal cortex—
adolescents develop stronger skills in decision-making, problem-solving, abstract
thinking, and self-reflection.
 COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF
ADOLESCENCE

1.Abstract Thinking
-During their teenage years, individuals gain the ability to think beyond the present and
consider various possibilities. They transition from focusing solely on reality to imagining what
might unfold in the future. This ability, referred to as hypothetical thinking, enables them to
anticipate future events, contemplate the repercussions of their choices, and examine
different interpretations of occurrences. It also enhances their debating skills, as they can use
logical reasoning to challenge the ideas of others.
 COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF
ADOLESCENCE

2. Metacognition
- Metacognition, or "thinking about thinking," is the ability to reflect on one’s own thoughts.
In adolescence, this ability enhances self-awareness and understanding of how people think,
but it can also lead to greater self-consciousness. Adolescents become more aware that they
cannot fully control their thoughts, which can lead to a focus on themselves.
 COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF
ADOLESCENCE

3. Moral and Ethical Reasoning

- Moral and ethical thinking in adolescence refers to the growing ability of young individuals
to understand right and wrong, based on personal beliefs and societal norms. During this
time, adolescents start to question rules, think about the consequences of their actions, and
consider how their decisions affect others, helping to develop a sense of responsibility and
fairness.
 COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF
ADOLESCENCE

4. Decision making and Risk taking

- Decision-making and risk-taking in adolescence refer to the developing ability of young
individuals to make thoughtful choices, while also being more likely to engage in behaviors
that involve potential danger or uncertainty. During this stage, the part of the brain
responsible for planning and self-control is still maturing, which may lead adolescents to take
risks or make impulsive decisions, especially in social or emotional situations.
 COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF
ADOLESCENCE

5. Improved memory and attention

- Improved memory and attention in adolescence is the enhanced capacity to focus, process,
store, and retrieve information as the brain matures. This development allows adolescents to
concentrate for longer periods, organize their thoughts more efficiently, and retain
information more effectively, contributing to better academic performance and decision-
making.
 COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF
ADOLESCENCE

6. Adolescent Egocentrism
- Adolescent egocentrism is a cognitive characteristic in which young individuals have
difficulty distinguishing between their own thoughts and the thoughts of others. They often
believe that others are constantly watching or judging them (imaginary audience) and that
their experiences are unique and not understood by others (personal fable). This self-focused
thinking is common during adolescence due to increased self-awareness and ongoing brain
development.
 Social
Development
 WHAT IS SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT?

Social development means learning how to make

friends, build relationships, and understand
others. it is about how we act with people.
 SOCIAL CHANGES IN
ADOLESCENCE

Teenager's want more time with friends, care

about what others think, and may start having
crushes.
 WHY IS SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
IMPORTANT?

it helps us build our identity, gain confidence and

feel that we belong
 ERICKSON'S THEORY-
PSYCHOSOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT

Erikson said adolescence is the stage of identity

vs. role confusion. Social development is a big
part of finding our identity.
example(identity): liza joins a school club,
meets new friends, and learn she loves to
help others. she feels proud and confident.
example(role confusion): carla acts very
religious and conservative when she is with
her church friends, but when she is with
her party friends, she drinks and vapes just
to blend in. she changes her behavior
depending on a group she's with. because
she always tries to fit she ends up confused
about who she really is.
 HOW ADULTS CAN
HELP

Give team support, listen to them, and let

them explore safety.
Social development during adolescence helps
us figure out who we are. Our relationships
an experiences shape our identity. with
Erickson's Theory, we understand that this
stage is important in knowing ourselves.
Support from others helps us grow with
confidence and clarity.
 WHAT IS LANGUAGE
DEVELOPMENT?

Language development is the process by which

people learn to understand, use, and
communicate through language. It begins in early
childhood and continues throughout life, but it
especially grows and improves during important
stages like adolescence.
 1. Grammar, Syntax, and
Vocabulary Development

Advanced Grammar and Syntax: Adolescents

refine their use of complex grammatical structures,
enabling them to form more sophisticated sentences.
 1. Grammar, Syntax, and
Vocabulary Development

Vocabulary Expansion: There’s a marked

increase in vocabulary, with the use of more abstract
and specialized terms that help adolescents discuss
complex topics.
 1. Grammar, Syntax, and
Vocabulary Development

Language Development Over Time: While language

development during adolescence may not appear as
profound as in earlier stages, there is still clear progress in
grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
 1. Grammar, Syntax, and
Vocabulary Development

Metalinguistic Awareness: Teens begin to

critically analyze and reflect on language itself,
improving their ability to understand and manipulate
language.
 2. SOCIAL LANGUAGE SKILL

Social Language Skills: As social interactions become

more important, adolescents develop essential skills like
conversation, debate, and persuasion, which are important for
engaging with peers, family members, and other social groups.
 2. SOCIAL LANGUAGE SKILL

Pragmatic Skills: Adolescents improve their ability to use

language appropriately across different contexts, including
understanding humor, sarcasm, and idioms
 2. SOCIAL LANGUAGE SKILL

Narrative Skills: Adolescents become more

adept at organizing and communicating stories or
information coherently, a key element in effective
communication.
 2. SOCIAL LANGUAGE SKILL

Academic Language Proficiency: Language

development during this stage also includes the ability to
engage in academic tasks, such as arguing points or
participating in debates.
 3.DIVERSITY IN LANGUAGE

Code-Switching: Adolescents show linguistic

flexibility by switching between different language
styles or dialects depending on the social context.
 3.DIVERSITY IN LANGUAGE

Influence of Peer Groups: Peer interactions

heavily influence language use, with adolescents
adopting slang or colloquial expressions to fit in or
express identity.
 3.DIVERSITY IN LANGUAGE

Cultural and Social Factors: Cultural background and

social environment continue to shape language development,
affecting both the use and understanding of language.
 IDENTITY
Identity is what makes you who
you are as a person. It includes
your personality, beliefs, values,
goals, and how you see yourself.
 IDENTITY CRISIS
In psychology, the term identity
crisis means the failure to achieve
ego of oneself during adolescence.
Identity crisis refers to uncertainty about
oneself during adolescence, impacting ego
and self-perception.
WHY DOES IDENTITY
CRISIS HAPPEN

a person “tries on” different identities and ways

of being. They may question their family’s
values and cultural norms, and begin developing
their own system of values and unique
personality, separate from their family.
 QUESTIONS
ADOLESCENTS ASK

Who am I ?
What am I passionate about ?
What are my spiritual beliefs ?
What are my values ?
What is my role in society or purpose in life ?
 CAUSES OF HAVING
IDENTITY CRISIS
an identity crisis can occur after a major life change or following a trauma.
graduating high school or college
getting married
starting a job
losing a spouse or parent
becoming a parent
retirement
changes in one’s job duties or career path
 WAYS TO COPE

Learning about different identities and ways of being. Reading

new books, watching TV, attending different religious
ceremonies, and other strategies to explore identity may help.
Interacting with many different people. Learn about their lives
and ask about their experiences.
Seeking support from trusted loved ones or a therapist.
Understanding that no one else can, or should, determine a
person’s identity.
Embracing the crisis as a chance to develop a meaningful sense
of identity and purpose.
THANK YOU