Adolescence

Adolescence refers to a developmental stage that begins at puberty. The concept of adolescence did not exist until the 1904, when psychologist G. Stanley Hall first wrote about it in his book by that name. He portrayed adolescence as characterized by "storm and stress," resulting from the biological changes that occur during the period. Anna Freud, daughter of Sigmund Freud, even considered a stormy adolescence a necessary part of normal development.

Many see adolescence as a period of emotional instability, punctuated by inevitable associations with socially deviant peers and experimentation with risky behaviors, such as alcohol abuse and unprotected sexual intercourse. However, the truth is that most teens are psychologically healthy and have primarily positive developmental experiences. Most enjoy good relationships with their families and friends, and researchers say that the majority of them are happy and self-confident.

Puberty is a collective term that includes a dramatic series of physical changes clearly marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. Puberty is a period of several years duration that is marked by rapid physical growth and physiological changes that culminates sexual maturity. Although the average onset of puberty is at age 10 for girls and age 12 for boys, the normal range extends from 7 to 14 for girls and from 9 to 16 for boys. Every persons individual timetable for puberty is influenced primarily by heredity, although environmental factors, such as diet and exercise, also exert some influence.

Puberty begins with a surge in hormone production, which, in turn, causes a number of physical changes. The most startling change during puberty is the acceleration in growth known as the adult growth spurt. During puberty, the reproductive organs in both sexes mature, and secondary sex characteristics appear. The major landmark of puberty for males is the first ejaculation, which occurs, on average, at age 13. For females, it is menarche, the onset of menstruation, which occurs, on average between ages 12 and 13.

The timing of puberty can have important psychological and social consequences. Early-maturing boys, taller and stronger than their classmates, have an advantage in sports and in capturing attention from girls. They are likely to have a positive body image, to feel confident, secure, independent, and happy, and to be successful academically as well. Late-maturing boys often show the opposite effects; poor body image, less confidence, and so on. For girls, early maturation brings increases self-consciousness and, often, dissatisfaction with their developing bodies. Consequently, early maturing girls are more likely than their peers to develop bulimia and other eating disorders. In addition, they may