Adolescence can be defined as the stage of development which is between childhood and adulthood. This stage is estimated to be between 12 to 20 years and it includes changes that are both psychological and physiological. In the western societies, adolescence is identified as the period where the teenagers rebel against the figures of authority including both their parents and teachers. This rebellion often occurs as the adolescents search for their personal identity.
Behavioral processes in teenagers
The process of adolescence affects the behavioral process of the teenagers in both positive and negative ways. During adolescence, the teenagers may experience moodiness which may result in more negative events than those experienced in early childhood. The moodiness is brought about due to the fact that teenagers tend to feel less stable emotionally than the adult. Majority of this moodiness may be experienced in environments that are adult-oriented such as in class, at work or even in church. In addition, the relationship between the teenagers and their parents may be conflicted. The teenager may engage in several conflicts with their parents which come as a form of rebellion.
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Adolescent boys who have experienced early maturation may behave in a way which may indicate that they are relaxed, self-confident, independent and attractive. On the other hand, adolescent girls who have experienced early maturation may behave in a way which may indicate that they have poor self-confidence, poor image of their body, withdrawn, unpopular and psychologically stressed. Boys who have late maturation may demonstrate behaviors such as anxiety, overly talkative and constantly seek attention. Late maturation among adolescent girls, on the other hand, may demonstrate behaviors that may indicate attractiveness. They may also demonstrate behaviors such as being lively, sociable and leadership capabilities. Therefore, in the long term, girls who mature early and boys who mature late may demonstrate behaviors that indicate that they are independent, satisfied and cognitively competent. On the other hand, boys who mature early and girls who mature late may demonstrate dissatisfied, conforming, and rigid behaviors.
Adolescence leads to rapid growth of the body which results in increased intake of food among both boys and girls. In addition, adolescents may result to the use and abuse of substances and drugs. This behavior may result from antisocial behavior, lack of parental care, peer pressure or poor school performance among others. Drug and substance abuse may lead to negative factors such as teenage pregnancy, contraction of other diseases such as HIV/AIDS among other sexually transmitted diseases.
