Adolescence

Abstract

Adolescence is a stage of life characterized by the psychological task of identity formation. Normal cognitive and emotional development and life experiences allow adolescents to develop mature coping skills. In general, adolescents successfully manage typical stressors, such as changes resulting from puberty, family role evolution, peer relationships and school and work demands. A number of unusual or traumatic stressors, such as mental and physical illness, parental illness or loss, divorce, pregnancy, abuse and victimization are much more likely to adversely affect development. However, other protective factors and interventions can ameliorate these problems. © 2007 Copyright © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.