Adolescence and Human Development: Key Events and Theories

Running head: ADOLESCENCE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Adolescence and Human Development
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1ADOLESCENCE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
Adolescence refers to a transitional stage pertaining to physical along with
psychological development which generally occurs from the period of puberty to that of legal
adulthood. It is generally associated with teenage years but the psychological expression can
begin at an earlier stage and end at a later period (Salk et al., 2016). This essay elaborates on
the developmental period of adolescence and discusses the key events that are experienced
during this time. It discusses the main theories in relation to adolescence and reflects on the
personal responses in relation to adolescence.
An overview of adolescence and the events experienced at this stage
Adolescence is a period when growth spurts take place accompanied by changes in
puberty. Adolescent often grows several inches within several months that can be followed
by a period in which the growth takes place in a slow manner. Changes pertaining to puberty
can take place in a gradual manner or different signs can become visible at the same period of
time (Eisenberg, Spinrad & Knafo‐Noam, 2015). The adolescent acts as a time of
disorientation along with discovery. The transitional period of adolescence brings up
challenges in relation to independence along with self-identity. The adolescents have to face
choices that are tough pertaining to schoolwork, social life and sexuality.
Sexual along with physical maturation takes place at the time of puberty owing to
hormonal changes. The puberty in relation to boys is difficult to ascertain and the changes
take place gradually in the boys. The pubertal changes that takes place at the time of
adolescence is in relation to enlargement of testicles. Public hair appears when a boy is
around 13.5 years old. The girls experience puberty owing to the sequence of the events but
the pubertal changes are evident before the boys. Each girl can however be stated to be
different and the progress through changes takes place in a different manner (Fuhrmann,

2ADOLESCENCE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Knoll & Blakemore, 2015). Puberty begins in the girls when they are around 8 years old and
it lasts till 13 years. The first pubertal change that can be noticed in the girls is breast
development and hair becomes visible under arms when they are of 12 years.
The adolescence brings about many changes not only in physical terms but also in the
mental along with social level. The adolescents start thinking in an abstract manner at this
point of time and they make plans with the help of which they can set goals in the long term.
Each child makes progress at a rate which is different and they may have different
perspective in relation to the world (Temple & Choi, 2015). The adolescent becomes
concerned with politics, social issues along with philosophy at this particular stage of life.
The adolescent starts struggling for independence from their parents and peer influence
becomes crucial for them at this stage. Sexual relationships becomes crucial for the
adolescent and the notion pertaining to acceptance becomes very important for them (Salk et
al., 2016).
Discussion of the key aspects of the theories
According to Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory, identity development is
integral to adolescence. The child acquires ego-identity and identity crisis is an essential
characteristics in relation to adolescence. For acquiring strong ego-identity it is essential that
the achievements along with accomplishments of the child are recognized and applauded
(Cherry, 2017). The individual wants to establish personal identity at this stage and it is
important as said by Erikson that the child should avoid danger of identity confusion. An
individual at the stage of adolescence should assess one’s own assets along with liabilities
and the manner in which they would like to use them (Kilford, Garrett & Blakemore, 2016).
The adolescents search for a sense of continuity and they want to answer questions regarding
themselves. Identity is not provided to individual by the society but it should be acquired by