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Typical Adolescence Development
This article provides you with a clear picture of the different types and phases of development adolescents are going through.
What does “typical” development look like during adolescence?
To provide a clearer picture of this different physiological, cognitive, social, and emotional development during adolescence it may be helpful to look at what a typical younger and older adolescent is going through.
Physical
| Early adolescence (10-14 years) | Late adolescence (15-19 years) |
|---|---|
| Puberty begins (females usually mature 1-2 years earlier than males) | Males often experience continued height and weight gains |
| Gains in height and weight | Female physical growth slows down |
| Increased perspiration and oil production in skin and hair | |
| Growth of pubic and underarm hair | |
| Females: breast development and menstruation | |
| Males: growth of testicles and penis, nocturnal emissions (wet dreams), deepening of voice, facial hair |
Cognitive
| Early adolescence (10-14 years) | Late adolescence (15-19 years) |
|---|---|
| Interests tend to focus on the present | Interests expand to focus on future |
| Often consumed by unrealistic/unattainable goals and future expectations | The ability for foresight grows along with emphasis on goals, ambitions, role in life |
| Intellectual interests expand and gain more importance | Capacity for setting goals and following through increases |
| Increased awareness of physical attractiveness and physical changes | Work habits become more defined |
| Capacity for abstract thinking increases | Planning capability expands |
| Risk-taking behaviors may emerge | Risk-taking behaviors may become more regular before waning |
| Begin to develop more defined personal opinions, values, and identity | Increased ability to communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings |
| Ability to use speech to express feelings improve | Increased ability to make decisions independently |
| Improved problem-solving skills |
Social and Emotional
| Early adolescence (10-14 years) | Late adolescence (15-19 years) |
|---|---|
| Sense of identity develops | Firmer and more cohesive sense of personal identity develops |
| Focus on self increases which may result in feeling awkward or strange about themselves and their bodies | Examination of inner experiences (reflection) becomes more important |
| Realization grows that parents are not perfect, have faults | Decreased interest in family activities |
| Overt affection toward parents declines | Peer relationships remain important with increased focus on time with friends |
| Complaints about parents interfering with independence can increase | Social networks expand and new friendships are formed |
| Desire to expand social network and test authority figures | Concern for others increases |
| Close friendships gain importance | Ability for delayed gratification and compromise increases |
| Friends and peers influence clothing styles and interests | Emotional steadiness/regulation increases |
| Decreased impulse control and more intense emotions |
Continue to the next step to watch a video about why “typical” adolescent development is not so typical after all. We will also discuss the main developmental tasks that adolescents are working through.
The information presented in this step was adapted from the following resources:
Kutcher, S., Hashish, M., & Johnston, E. (2019). Parenting your teen: Adolescent development primer for parents.
McNeely, C., & Blanchard, J. (2009). The teen years explained: A guide to healthy adolescent development. Baltimore, MD.
Spano, S. (2004). Stages of adolescent development. Ithaca, NY.
This article is from the online course:
Coping with Changes: Social-Emotional Learning Through Play
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Coping with Changes: Social-Emotional Learning Through Play
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