DEVELOPM ENTAL PSYCH
Adolescent Development
Introduction
01
Adolescent Development refers to
the physical, cognitive, emotional,
and social changes that occur during
adolescence, the period of life
between childhood and adulthood,
typically from ages 10 to 19. This
stage is marked by significant
transformation as individuals
undergo puberty, develop complex
thinking abilities, form a stronger
sense of identity, and navigate
Key Areas of Adolescent
02
Development
1. Physical Development
2. Cognitive Development
3. Emotional & Social
Development
Key Areas of Adolescent
03
Development
Adolescence is a critical period for
setting the foundation for adult
behavior, relationships, and health.
Social and environmental factors,
such as family dynamics, cultural
influences, and educational
opportunities, play significant roles
in shaping adolescent development.
PHYsical change
Overview of Puberty 04
• Age Range: Typically begins between ages
8-14 for girls and 10-16 for boys, though
there’s considerable variation.
• Duration: Puberty can last from 2 to 5
years.
• Hormonal Changes: Triggered by
increased production of sex hormones
(estrogen in females, testosterone in
males), leading to the development of
primary and secondary sexual
Changes in Males and Females 05
1. Primary Sexual Characteristics
(Related directly to reproduction)
• •Males: Growth of testes and penis,
production of sperm, and onset of
ejaculation.
• Females: Development of ovaries,
uterus, and onset of menstruation
(menarche).
Changes in Males and Females 06
2. Secondary Sexual Characteristics
(Physical signs of puberty not
directly involved in reproduction)
• Males: Deepening of the voice,
facial and body hair growth,
increased muscle mass.
• Females: Breast development,
widening of hips, growth of body
Impact on Physical Health and Body 07
Image
• Physical Health: Adolescents may
experience growth spurts, increased appetite,
and changes in energy levels. Regular
physical activity and balanced nutrition are
essential for healthy development.
Impact on Physical Health and Body 08
Image
• Body Image: Adolescents become more
aware of their bodies, which can affect
their self-esteem. Variations in timing
(early or late development) can also
influence confidence and social
interactions. Peer comparison often
intensifies body image concerns, which
can lead to mental health challenges if not
addressed with support.
Cognitive
Development -
abstract thinking
Cognitive development abstract thinking
09
Cognitive development in adolescence refers
to the changes and growth in mental abilities
and thinking skills that occur during the
teenage years. During this period,
adolescents experience significant
advancements in how they process
information, reason, and understand the
world.
What is Abstract Thinking? 10
Abstract thinking is the ability to consider
concepts that are not directly tied to physical
objects or personal experiences, such as
understanding metaphors, Imagining future
possibilities, and solving problems
hypothetically
CHARACTERISTICS OF ABSTRACT 11
THINKING IN ADOLESCENT
DEVELOPMENT
1. Early Adolescence (11-14): Begins to
develop abstract thinking, using symbols and
metaphors. 2. Middle Adolescence (14-16):
Improves ability to reason abstractly,
considering multiple perspectives.
3. Late Adolescence (16-18): Refines
abstract thinking, applying it to complex
problems and hypothetical scenarios.
Influencing Factors 12
Development of abstract thinking is
influenced by education, social environment,
brain growth, and individual experiences.
Social & Emotional
Development
Identity vs. Role Confusion, peer 13
influence
Identity versus role confusion is the fifth
stage of ego in psychologist Erik Erikson's
theory of psychosocial development. This
stage occurs during adolescence between the
ages of approximately 12 and 18. During this
stage, adolescents explore their
independence and develop a sense of self.
Identity vs. role confusion is a stage
characterized by asking "Who am I," and
learning more about your own goals, values,
What Are Identity and Role Confusion?14
As they transition from childhood to
adulthood, teens may begin to feel confused
or insecure about themselves and how they
fit into society. As they seek to establish a
sense of self, teens may experiment with
different roles, activities, and behaviors.
According to Erikson, this is important to the
process of forming a strong identity and
developing a sense of direction in life.
Peer influence 15
It is the effect that friends or a group of
people have to an individuals attitude,
decision making, and behavior, particularly
during adolescence. Peer influence plays an
important role in influencing the decisions,
behaviors, and self-image of an adolescent.
Peer influence 16
During adolescence individuals like to seek
acceptance and approval from their peers, to
the point that they become too reliant on the
decisions of their peers. Individuals who
experience peer influence experience
pressure to adopt to behaviors, attitudes, or
values to fit in a certain group. Peer influence
can have both positive and negative effects
on adolescents, depending on the behavior
that is being encouraged.
Positive peer influence example 17
Troy belongs to an ambitious, hard working,
and goal-oriented group. As a result, Troy
worked hard and focused on their lesson.
Negative peer influence example 18
Jefferson's friends encourage him to smoke
and drink alcohol even though they know that
Jefferson belongs in a religious family.
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