Adolescence is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, characterized by a series of significant changes in various areas of human development. These changes are not only physical and hormonal, but also include psychological and emotional changes crucial for the development of one’s own identity and the formation of social and cognitive skills.
Adolescence can be divided into three main stages:
- Early adolescence (11-14 years): pubertal changes begin, such as accelerated growth and the appearance of secondary sex characteristics. In addition, they begin to develop greater self-awareness and may experience emotional fluctuations.
- Middle Adolescence (15-17 years): Most physical changes are complete and growth slows. However, the search for identity and autonomy intensifies. Relationships with peers become more important, and teens begin to think more abstractly and critically. At this stage, some teens may experience an intense fear of being judged negatively by others, which can lead them to avoid social situations and affect their social and emotional development. This fear can lead them to develop a social phobia which can lead them to avoid social situations and affect their development in this area.
- Late adolescence (18-21 years): physical maturation is complete. Likewise, identity and independence are consolidated. Teens prepare for adulthood by making important decisions about their futures and establishing more mature relationships.
What are the psychological changes that occur in adolescence?
Although adolescence can be a challenging time, it is also full of opportunities and positives that contribute significantly to the holistic development of young people. However, it is important to mention that adolescence has “bad press” and is often perceived with a negative attitude on the part of parents. Many believe that from the beginning of adolescence until the end of adolescence will be complicated and problematic years. This perception can lead to an anticipation of conflicts and difficulties that do not always materialize, affecting the way parents interact with their adolescents. It’s crucial to understand that while certain challenges are expected to arise, they don’t necessarily have to happen in a negative way. Young people experience a range of psychological, emotional, and social transformations that are crucial to their development. These include:
Identity development
Young people work intensively on the formation of their identity. This process includes the exploration of different roles, values, and beliefs, and may involve deep questioning about themselves and their place in the world. For example, you can experiment with different styles of dress or participate in various extracurricular activities to find out what you are passionate about and what defines you. This period of self-exploration is critical to discovering their interests, values, and passions, which helps them define who they are and who they want to be in the future.
Autonomy and independence
The search for independence is a key aspect of adolescent development. This need for autonomy can lead to conflicts with authority figures, but it is also essential for the development of one’s own identity and an autonomous adult life. For example, a teenager may insist on managing his own money or deciding his or her study schedule, thus showing his or her desire for more control over his or her life. This growing independence allows them to make important decisions, learn from their mistakes, and develop greater self-confidence.
Development of social skills
Adolescents expand their social circles and develop essential interpersonal skills. The friendships they form can be a source of emotional support and a training ground for the development of skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, and cooperation.
Changes in self-esteem
Self-esteem can fluctuate during adolescence due to social comparisons and concerns about body image. Healthy self-esteem is crucial for emotional well-being and can influence various aspects of a teen’s life, from academic performance to interpersonal relationships. For example, a teenager who excels in a sport and receives recognition for it may experience an increase in their self-esteem. However, if the same teen compares himself to his peers in terms of physical appearance and feels that he does not meet certain social standards, his self-esteem can be negatively affected.
Cognitive development
Adolescents develop the ability to think more abstractly and logically. This advancement in cognitive development makes it possible to handle complex concepts and consider multiple perspectives, which is critical for decision-making and problem-solving. For example, a teenager may begin to question the social or political norms in their environment and develop their own informed opinions on issues such as social justice or climate change. This stage of great creativity and innovation translates into artistic expressions, inventions and original solutions to problems, which allows them to contribute significantly to society.
Physical and Hormonal Changes: How Do They Influence Behavior?
- Puberty and sexual development: puberty marks the beginning of a series of physical and hormonal changes, such as the increase in sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen), which not only affect physical development, but also behavior and emotional state.
- Mood changes: hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood changes, such as irritability, sadness, and anxiety. These changes can be challenging for both teens and those around them.
- Body image and self-esteem: physical development can profoundly influence the perception of body image and, therefore, self-esteem. Teens are especially sensitive to how they perceive their bodies and how they think they are perceived by others, which can lead to problems such as eating disorders.
Risk situations in adolescence
Some of the most common risk situations during adolescence are:
- Social and academic pressure: pressure to meet academic and social expectations can be a significant stressor. Competition to get good grades, get into good colleges, and meet the expectations of parents and teachers can lead to anxiety and affect emotional well-being.
- Peer influence: peer pressure can lead to risky behaviors, such as substance use, risky sexual behaviors, and engaging in dangerous activities. However, friendships can also be a source of support and well-being. In “Sexting among adolescents” we can discover more about sexual risk behaviors.
- Social isolation: social isolation can be both a cause and a consequence of emotional problems during adolescence. Teens who feel isolated or rejected by their peers may experience feelings of loneliness, sadness, and low self-esteem, which can exacerbate mental health issues and increase the risk of self-injurious behaviors.
- Self-esteem and body perception: concern about physical appearance and comparison with others are common during adolescence. Teens can develop a negative body image and low self-esteem, which can lead to eating disorders as well as other emotional problems.
- Use of technology and social media: excessive use of technology and social media can affect mental health, contributing to issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, due to constant comparison and exposure to cyberbullying. Some links of interest to learn more about this aspect are “The dark side of social networks” or “Online Grooming“.
How can parents accompany these psychological changes typical of adolescence?
Some of the most effective strategies to accompany adolescents are:
- Encourage open communication: encouraging open and honest communication between teens and adults is essential. Teens should feel like they can express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.
- Education and awareness: education about the changes that occur during adolescence can help young people better understand and manage their experiences. Awareness of the effects of hormonal and physical changes on their behavior and emotional state can empower them to make informed and healthy choices.
- Strengthening Family Relationships: fostering healthy and supportive family relationships can provide a safe environment for teens to navigate their changes and challenges. Parents’ active and positive involvement in their children’s lives can be a significant source of emotional support.
- Psychological therapy: access to psychological therapy can be crucial for those adolescents who are facing significant difficulties. Therapy and counseling provide a safe space to explore and address emotional and behavioral challenges.
Likewise, a highly recommended film to understand this evolutionary stage is “Inside Out 2”. It explores the world of emotions in a sensitive and entertaining way. It has a deeper insight into the emotional growth and new adventures the protagonist faces as she navigates the complex feelings of adolescence.
In conclusion, adolescence is a time of profound and significant changes that affect all aspects of an adolescent’s life. Understanding and supporting these changes is critical to promoting healthy and balanced development. The adults around teens, including parents, educators, and mental health professionals, play a crucial role in providing the necessary support during this phase of growth and self-discovery.
If you need help managing the psychological changes of adolescence, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you.
Laura Maymó Gallurt
Psychologist Nº Col. B-03427
