ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

Adolescent Development



Adolescent Development

Introduction

Adolescent development is what psychologists define as changes that occur during a person's transition from childhood to adulthood. There are numerous factors that play into how a person will develop and these include: biological, cognitive and social factors. All of these factors, along with the effects of family, peers, school, and cultural contexts allow psychologists to develop an insight as to how adolescents develop into adults. Bruce* is a 20 year-old male who describes his adolescence as, “Confusing, yet exciting.

Biological Development

Biologically, adolescence is the most fascinating stage to explore and discover. During his entrance into adolescence, Bruce noticed that his hand eye coordination was improving, he could judge how far away the next highway exit was going to be, or he could snatch a piece of paper right out of your hand before you knew it. These are perfect examples of motor skills. Adolescents, especially during puberty learn how to use their bodies, and explore areas both physically and mentally in ways that they never have before (Glanz, K., Rimer, B.K. & Lewis, F.M. 2002). Your biology is also what makes you who you are; there isn't any other person in the world just like you. Most of our biology is pre-determined, by the genes given to us by our parents. Developing into young adults comes with many other mental and physical properties that we must look at further. The biopsychosocial approach emphasizes that biological, psychological, and social factors interact to produce the problems that adolescents and people other ages develop (Daniels, 1995).

Cognitive Development

Cognitive processes are the ways of thinking and emphasizing conscious thoughts. Piaget's theory on cognitive development was followed almost perfectly by Bruce when he described his earlier years. At the age of 18 Bruce realized that his thought processes had changed. He was career driven and goal oriented and could look back and see the progress he'd made. Early childhood taught him independence and self-sufficient ness. He grew up with 3 older brothers, and the attention was not always on him (Bergen 2001). After his parents divorce, things at home became different leading into his middle to late childhood. These years were of intense learning Bruce mastered the guitar, writing, played sports and learned the basic fundamentals of schooling. He also began absorbing knowledge in school rapidly, and gaining interests in subjects that weren't necessarily covered on the curriculum. Throughout these years, Bruce became moody and would often talk back to his parents. “Sometimes, I would yell, and scream and after realize I had no idea why I was doing it.” “I wasn't mad at them directly, they just got in the way of my emotions.” He would also build aggression towards his peers, when Bruce became stressed out, he would take out his frustration on the next person or thing that came his way. This resulted in tension between friends, teachers, family, and even the family pets (Kail, Robert V, 2007).

Social Development

He enjoyed social events, places where he could ...