Normal adolescent development

Abstract

Normal adolescent development is the foundation stone for healthy adulthood. Early, mid- and late adolescence are the three phases in adolescent development. Early adolescence (10-13 yrs) is characterized by concrete thinking, growth spurt and the beginning of sexual maturation. In mid-adolescence (14-15 yrs) the physical changes are complete, abstract thinking begins and the adolescents develop a strong sense of identity and are very much under peer influence although family still remain important. There is an increased tendency for experimenting and risk taking. In late adolescence (16-19 yrs) physical and sexual maturity is complete, identity is significantly developed and abstract thinking is well developed.