In fact, the prolonging of adolescence has prompted the introduction of a new developmental period called emerging adulthood that captures these developmental changes out of adolescence and into adulthood, occurring from approximately ages 18 to 29 ( Arnett, 2000). Completion of formal education, financial independence from parents, marriage, and parenthood have all been markers of the end of adolescence and beginning of adulthood, and all of these transitions happen, on average, later now than in the past. This average age of onset has decreased gradually over time since the 19th century by 3–4 months per decade, which has been attributed to a range of factors including better nutrition, obesity, increased father absence, and other environmental factors ( Steinberg, 2013). Puberty today begins, on average, at age 10–11 years for girls and 11–12 years for boys. Adolescence has evolved historically, with evidence indicating that this stage is lengthening as individuals start puberty earlier and transition to adulthood later than in the past. Īdolescence is a developmental stage that has been defined as starting with puberty and ending with the transition to adulthood (approximately ages 10–20). Be able to explain sources of diversity in adolescent development.Īdolescence Defined Adolescence is often characterized as a period of transformation, primarily, in terms of physical, cognitive, and social-relational change.Understand why adolescence is a period of heightened risk taking.Describe major features of physical, cognitive, and social development during adolescence.Nationality, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious background, sexual orientation, and genetic factors shape how adolescents behave and how others respond to them, and are sources of diversity in adolescence Identity formation occurs as adolescents explore and commit to different roles and ideological positions. Same-sex peer groups evolve into mixed-sex peer groups, and adolescents’ romantic relationships tend to emerge from these groups. Peer relationships are important sources of support and companionship during adolescence yet can also promote problem behaviors. Adolescents’ relationships with parents go through a period of redefinition in which adolescents become more autonomous, and aspects of parenting, such as distal monitoring and psychological control, become more salient.

Cognitive changes include improvements in complex and abstract thought, as well as development that happens at different rates in distinct parts of the brain and increases adolescents’ propensity for risky behavior because increases in sensation-seeking and reward motivation precede increases in cognitive control. Physical changes associated with puberty are triggered by hormones. Adolescent DevelopmentBy Jennifer LansfordĪdolescence is a period that begins with puberty and ends with the transition to adulthood (approximately ages 10–20).

Steinberg adolescence 10th edition pdf