Introduction :
Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental human development that occurs between childhood and adulthood.This transition involves biological,social and psychological changes,though the biological ones are the easiest to measure objectively .Those biological changes are known as puberty which has been heavily associated with teenagers and the onset of adolescent development .Puberty is a period of several years in which rapid physical and psychological changes occur ,culminating in sexual maturity.Adolescent psychology is associated with notable changes in mood sometimes known as mood swings.
Cognitive changes which are characteristics of adolescence,often take place during this period,and this can be a cause of conflict on one hand and positive personality development on the other.Because of the adolescents’ new ways of thinking ,for the first time in their lives they may start to view their friends and their peer groop ,as more important and influencial than their parents/guardians.Because of peer pressure ,they may sometimes indulge in activities not deemed socially accebtable,although this may be more of a social phenomenon than a psychological one.This overlap is addressed within the study of psychosociology.Home,school and peer relationship have a substancial impact on the developing minds of teenagers,and these developments may reach a climax during adolescence.
I- Adolescent physical development :
During the teen years adolescents experience changes in their physical development in a rate of speed unparalleled since infancy. This physical development includes :
1-Puberty :
Most people tend to confuse the terms adolescence and puberty, and use them synonymously . Adolescence refers to the stage from puberty to adulthood. It is described as being the teenage years from 13 to 18 years of age. However, puberty decides the onset of adolescence. The normal range of onset is from...