We explain what adolescence is and what its stages are. In addition, the physical changes and psychological changes it produces.
What is adolescence?
Adolescence is understood as period of human development after childhood and prior to the adult stage or adulthood, in which the biological, sexual, social and psychological changes necessary to form a socially mature individual and physically prepared for reproduction take place.
The beginning and end points of adolescence are not absolutely defined, although the first point is the onset of puberty. But this varies according to the individual and their history, which is why the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded an average adolescence range that ranges from 10 to 19 years old.
This means that adolescence It is part of the vital period called youth: between approximately 10 and 24 years old. But there are also those who consider that adolescence can extend even up to 21 years of age, and even up to 25.
In any case, adolescence It is usually the scene of the celebration of social rituals in different human cultures, which see in it an initiatory step to adulthood, and commemorate or celebrate it through different “passage” rituals. Some examples of this are the quinceanera party, traditional in many Hispanic countries, in which young girls are introduced to society; or the Jewish tradition of Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvahin which 13-year-old boys and 12-year-old girls are considered adults, respectively.
On the other hand, adolescence It is a scene of instabilities and social and emotional pressures that make it a stage of vulnerability and risk. In fact, the adolescent mortality rate increases as the years advance and childhood moves away, and then decreases drastically as adulthood is reached.
See also: Sexuality
Stages of adolescence
Two different stages are usually distinguished within the period of adolescence:
- Early adolescence The beginning of this first stage is marked by the entry into puberty and the beginning of the physical changes that lead the body towards sexual and biological maturation. This occurs at 10 or 11 years of age (in some cases from 9) and ends around 14 or 15.
- Late adolescence This second and final stage ranges from 14 or 15 years of age to 19 or 20, and is normally characterized by the individual's gradual entry into adulthood, especially by the progressive appearance of the psychological and emotional characteristics that maturation implies. .
Physical changes in adolescence
The entry into puberty during adolescence triggers a hormonal torrent in both sexes that triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics through which the sexual roles of the species are distinguished. Some of them are common, such as the appearance of pubic hair and body hair.
In the case of men, the appearance of facial hair the thickening of the Adam's apple and the beginning of erections usually marks the first stage of the process, which is followed by the generation of sperm and seminal fluids, the first nocturnal emissions (involuntary ejaculations), as well as growth of the testicles and of the penis. On the other hand, the voice becomes thicker (sometimes after a period of fluting), the body gains volume.
In women, menstruation begins and the growth of the mammary glands (breasts), as well as the development of the Bartholin glands, responsible for vaginal lubrication. Finally, a thickening of the hips, labia minora and hymen is experienced, and the body acquires its characteristic “guitar” shape.
Psychological changes in adolescence
Psychological changes in adolescents in both sexes tend to the formation of individual identity after going through processes of extreme socialization and doubt, uncertainty or existential concerns. The teenager learns to deal with his emotions in an adult way, but first he becomes involved in a changing whirlwind of them.
Many teenagers they appear insecure or shy, they oscillate between euphoria and depression and present problematic stages of rebellion. The adolescent is supposed to be “trying out” various modes of group and community membership, which often involves opposing parental authority or family laws.
