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| − | [[Image:High school students.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[United States|American]] [[high school]] students]] |
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| − | '''Adolescence''' is the period of psychological and social transition between [[childhood]] and [[adult]]hood (gender-specific, [[manhood]], or [[womanhood]]). In common usage in western, English language countries, "adolescent" and "teenager" may be considered synonyms (though it should be noted that the term 'teenager' is an artifact of the English counting system, not something that occurs in most languages), though the exact endpoints of each category don't always coincide depending on the definition of "adolescent" being used. Adolescence is the transitional stage of [[human development]] in which a juvenile matures into an adult. This transition involves biological (i.e. [[puberty|pubertal]]), social, and psychological changes, though the biological ones are the easiest to measure objectively. |
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| − | "Adolescence" is a cultural and social phenomenon and therefore its endpoints are not easily tied to physical milestones. The word derives from the [[Latin]] verb ''adoare'' meaning "to grow up." The time is identified with dramatic changes in the body, along with developments in a person's psychology and academic career. In the onset of adolescence, children usually complete [[elementary school]] and enter [[secondary education]], such as middle school or high school. A person between early childhood and the teenage years is sometimes referred to as a [[pre-teen]] or [[tween (demographics)|tween ]]. |
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| − | The ages of adolescence vary by culture. The [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) defines adolescence as the period of life between 10 and 19 years of age.<ref>Goodburn, Elizabeth A., and Ross, David A. (1995). "A Picture of Health: A Review and Annotated Bibliography of the Health of Young People in Developing Countries." Published by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.</ref> In contrast, in the [[United States]], adolescence is generally considered to begin somewhere between ages 12 and 14, and end at 19 or 20. As distinct from the varied interpretations of who is considered an "adolescent", the word "teenager" is more easily defined: it describes a person who is thir'''teen''' to nine'''teen''' years of age. |
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| − | During this period of life, most children go through the physical stages of [[puberty]] which often begins between the ages of nine and thirteen. Most cultures regard people as becoming adults at various ages of the teenage years. (See [[#Social and cultural]] below) |
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| − | ==Puberty== |
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| − | {{Main|Puberty}} |
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| − | [[Puberty]] is the stage of the human [[lifespan]] in which a [[child]] develops [[secondary sex characteristic]]s as his or her hormonal balance shifts strongly towards an adult state. This is triggered by the [[pituitary gland]], which secretes a surge of [[hormone]]s into the [[blood]] stream and begins the rapid maturation of the [[gonads]]: the girl's [[ovaries]] and the boy's [[testicle]]s. Girls tend to enter puberty approximately a year earlier than boys. |
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| − | The onset of puberty in girls is also related to body fat percentage. In most Western countries, the average age of [[menarche]] fell in a [[Secular#Secular trend|secular trend]] over the last century, most likely due to improved nutrition and increased caloric intake. |
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| − | ==Preteens== |
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| − | {{main|Preteen}} |
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| − | The word '''preteen''' describes a child a bit younger than a teenager; between the ages of about 9 and 12. The [[neologism]] '''tween''' has the same meaning, but isn't in general use as either a colloquial or scientific term. This word comes from the age being ''between'' that of a child and a teenager, and perhaps it has also been inspired by the first sounds of numeral ''twelve'' and the similarity to ''teen''. |
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| − | Preteens are increasingly a specifically targeted market segment by business, because they tend to maintain the preferences they develop at this age. Even [[mobile phone]]s are targeted toward this group. |
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| − | Pre-pubescence is the age where children begin to have more responsibilities and begin to want more respect as people. Many factors include to this age, such as the desire to have the latest trends in fashion and somewhat music, mostly like [[bubblegum pop]] and [[pop-punk]] and to earn small to moderate amounts of money in a way of an allowance or by having a part time job that is centered around household chores. Because of the emergence of greater awareness of social orders and groups, this is a very unstable area of development. Preteens often feel like they're not one thing or another and feel left out. To a girl approaching her teen years, fashion and hygiene (and sometimes the [[eating disorder]]s that develop as a result of over-concern about these things) come to be a bigger part of her life, and males start to become attractive. [[Sport]]s and [[Socialization|socializing]] tend to become more important for boys at this age, but some girls do get this feeling too. |
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| − | == Teenagers == |
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| − | {{main|Youth}} |
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| − | A '''teenager''' or '''teen''' is a person whose age is a number ending in "teen" in the English language: that is to say, someone from the age of thirteen to the age of nineteen. The word is of recent origin, only having appeared in the mid 20th century. Equivalent words in other languages may apply to a larger age bracket, including (at least some) preteens; e.g. ''tiener'' in Dutch officially from 12, colloquially from 10. |
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| − | In Western culture, a distinct [[youth culture]] has developed. This culture is often distinctly different from the mainstream culture, sometimes in rebellion against it, and thus is often referred to as a [[subculture]] or [[counterculture]]. |
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| − | Early Teens: 13-14 |
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| − | Middle teens: 15-16 |
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| − | Late Teens: 17-19 |
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| − | == Emerging Adulthood == |
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| − | Some scholars have theorized a new stage of development, post-adolescence and pre-adulthood. Arnett (2000) calls this stage "emerging adulthood," and argues that it is characterized by "relative independence from social roles and from normative expectations. ... Emerging adulthood is a time of life when many different directions remain possible, when the scope of independent exploration of life's possibilities is greater for most people than it will be at any other period of the life course." (p.469). Arnett, notes, however, that this stage is situationally and culturally constructed (i.e., people in other countries may not experience this as a unique life stage.) |
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| − | == Psychology of adolescents == |
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| − | {{Main|Adolescent psychology}} |
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| − | Maturity in body leads to an interest in [[sexual activities]], sometimes leading to [[teenage pregnancy]]. Since teens may not be emotionally or mentally mature enough, or financially able to support children, sexual activity amoung adolescents is considered problematic. |
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| − | At this age there is also a greater probability of drug and alcohol use, or mental health disorders such as [[schizophrenia]], [[eating disorder]]s such as anorexia, and [[clinical depression|depression]]. The unstable emotions or lack of [[emotional intelligence]] among some adolescents may also lead to [[youth crime]]. |
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| − | Searching for a unique [[identity (social science)|identity]] is one of the problems that adolescents often face. Some, but not all, teenagers often challenge the authority or the rules as a way to establish their individuality. They may crave adulthood and to find their place in the society. |
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| − | Among many people of this age, role models such as [[sport]]s players, [[rock star]]s and [[film|movie]] and [[television]] performers are very popular, and adolescents often express a desire to be like their chosen role model. For this reason, people who are considered role models are often heavily criticized for their [[behavior]], because in our time they are, we might say almost without exception, not socially conscious enough for the standard to which most children are held by most parents today. Of course, this doesn't mean that proper upbringing and an inspired life are contradictions; but there rages an argument about how soon one must make room for the other. |
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| − | [[G. Stanley Hall]] denoted this period as one of "Storm and Stress". Conflict at this developmental stage is normal and not unusual. [[Margaret Mead]], on the other hand, attributed adolescent behavior to their culture. [[Piaget]] attributed this stage in development with greatly increased cognitive abilities, which can cause conflict as the individual has gained the cognitive ability to reason, dispute, and theorize on an adult level. |
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| − | The [[information processing]] theory, on the other hand, does not see this as a qualitatively different stage, but rather just part of the uniformally gradual slope in gaining more experience. Another equally interesting view is the [[inventionist view]], which states that adolescence is merely a creation of sociohistory. Especially important in this view are the sociohistorical circumstances at the beginning of the twentieth century, a time when legislation was enacted that ensured the dependency of youth and made their move into the economic sphere more manageable. |
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| − | [[Positive Psychology]] is sometimes brought up when addressing adolescent psychology as well. In many groups, one encounters a surprising number of teens who are bored, unmotivated, and pessimistic about their future. A positive psychology styled approach attempts to start up their internal fires, help them develop the complex skills and dispositions necessary to take charge of their lives, to become socially competent, compassionate and psychologically vigorous adults. The article "Positive psychology and adolescent mental health: false promise or true breakthrough?", by [[Thomas M Kelly]], discusses it more. |
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| − | ==Social and cultural== |
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| − | {{Main|Youth culture}} |
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| − | In commerce, this generation is seen as an important target. [[Cellular phone]]s, contemporary [[popular music]], [[film|movie]]s, [[television]] programs, [[video games]] and clothes are heavily marketed and often popular amongst adolescents. |
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| − | In the past (and still in some cultures) there were ceremonies that celebrate adulthood, typically occurring during adolescence. ''[[Seijin shiki]]'' (literally "adult ceremony") is a Japanese example of this. [[Upanayanam]] is a coming of age ceremony for males in the Hindu world. In [[Judaism]], 12-year-old females and 13-year-old males become [[b'nai mitzvah]] and often have a celebration to mark this coming of age. Among some denominations of [[Christianity]], the [[rite]] or [[sacrament]] of [[Confirmation (sacrament)|Confirmation]] is received by adolescents and may be considered the time at which adolescents becomes members of the church in their own right. African boys also have a coming of age ceremony in which, upon reaching adolescence, the males state a promise to never do anything to shame their families or their village. This was also continued among African-American slaves in the early days of slavery before the practice was outlawed. In America, girls will often have a "[[sweet sixteen]]" party to celebrate turning the aforementioned age, a tradition similar to the [[quinceañera]] in Hispanic culture. |
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| − | Teenagers have also been an important factor in many movements for positive social change around the world. The popular history of adolescents participating in these movements may perhaps start with [[Jeanne d'Arc|Joan of Arc]], and extend to present times with popular [[youth activism]], [[student activism]], and other efforts to make [[youth voice]] heard. |
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| − | == Legal issues == |
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| − | <!-- Unsourced image removed: [[image:jun1.jpg|thumb|Japanese secondary school students in uniform]] --> |
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| − | A number of social scientists, including anthropologist [[Margaret Mead]] and sociologist [[Mike Males]], have repeatedly noted the contradictory treatment of laws affecting adolescents in the United States. As Males has noted, the US Supreme Court has, "explicitly ruled that policy-makers may impose adult responsibilities and punishments on individual youths as if they were adults at the same time laws and policies abrogate adolescents’ rights en masse as if they were children." |
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| − | Internationally, those over a certain age (often 18, though this varies) are legally considered responsible adults. Those who are under the age of legal responsibility may be considered too young to be held accountable for criminal action. This is called the [[defense of infancy]]. |
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| − | The issue of [[youth activism]] affecting political, social, educational, and moral circumstances is of growing significance around the world. Youth-led organizations around the world have fought for [[social justice]], the [[youth vote]] seeking to gain teenagers the [[right to vote]], to secure more [[youth rights]], and demanding better schools through [[student activism]]. |
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| − | Youth are also becoming more involved in community leadership, governance, and service. [[Volunteer]]ism among youth is at a record high, while [[student voice]] in schools and [[youth voice]] in communities is being engaged in community organizations, government boards, and in youth-serving nonprofit staffs and leadership. |
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| − | The sale of selected items such as [[cigarette]]s, [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]], and [[video]]s, and [[video game]]s with sexual or violent content is often prohibited based on age. Such age restrictions vary widely. In practice, it is common that young people engage in underage [[Tobacco smoking|smoking]] or [[drinking]], and in some cultures this is tolerated to a certain degree. In the [[United States]], teenagers are usually allowed to drive at 16 (each state sets its own minimum driving age), but they cannot legally purchase or consume alcohol until 21. In [[Europe]] it is more common for the driving age to be higher (18, usually) while the drinking age is lower. The traditional age of full maturity in the U.S. is 21 and, until recently (see: [[Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Twenty-sixth amendment]]) people were not legally allowed to vote until this age. At present, citizens may vote at 18 and usually can run in local and state elections at that age (and sometimes do; in rare cases, [[high school]] students have run for school board positions, and at least one has been elected [[mayor]]). One must be 25, however, to serve in the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] and 30 to serve in the [[United States Senate|Senate]], or 35 to serve as the [[President of the United States]]. |
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| − | Given the perceived emotional immaturity of adolescents, many countries consider those under a certain age to be too young to engage in [[sexual intercourse]] and other [[sexual activities]] with adults, even if they are physiologically capable (see [[age of consent]]). This issue has been most famously dramatized in the book [[Lolita]] (and two movies). [[Pedophilia]] is defined as interest in children before puberty, yet informally in the United States and other countries where there is a prevalence of a [[culture of fear]], it may also include interest in adolescents, with their maturing bodies (although the correct term for an interest in post-pubescent adolescents is called [[Ephebophilia]]). In some other countries or cultures, typically those in which extended family relationships prevent the quick taking-up and dropping of romantic relationships, relationships between adults and adolescents are socially accepted or viewed with tolerance. See [[pedophilia]] and [[ephebophilia]] for more information. In many countries, sex with adolescents below a certain age has become a social issue and is considered a serious [[sex crime]]. The [[age of consent]] varies according to the country or state/region. Countries without such laws may be targets for [[Child prostitution|child sex tourism]], if their laws do not separate [[prostitution]] from normal relationships. |
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| − | Pornography involving those under a certain age, typically 18 (see [[child pornography]]), is also considered unacceptable and strictly prohibited in most countries. Female adolescents are sometimes forced to engage in [[prostitution]] and [[slavery]], even at a young age. |
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| − | Since the advent of the [[Convention on the Rights of the Child]] in 1989, almost every country (except the U.S. and Somalia) in the world has become voluntarily legally committed to advancing an anti-discriminatory stance towards young people of all ages. This is a legally binding document which secures [[youth participation]] throughout society while acting against unchecked [[child labor]], [[child soldiers]], [[child prostitution]], and [[pornography]]. |
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| − | ==References== |
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| − | <div class="references-small"> |
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| − | <references/> |
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| − | ==See also== |
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| − | {{commonscat|Young people}} |
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| − | {{wikibooks|Guide to Growing Up}} |
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| − | *Activism |
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| − | **[[Student activism]] |
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| − | **[[Youth activism]] |
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| − | *[[Education]] |
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| − | *[[Ephebiphobia]] - the irrational fear of adolescents gaining more rights or showing behavioral, emotional or social emancipation |
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| − | *[[Ephebophilia]] - a sexual preference in which an adult is primarily or exclusively sexually attracted to postpubescent adolescents |
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| − | *[[:Category:Images of young people|Images of young people]] |
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| − | *[[Meaning of life]] |
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| − | *[[Puberty]] |
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| − | *[[Rite of passage]] |
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| − | **[[Sex education]] |
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| − | *[[Teen idol]] |
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| − | *[[Teen magazine]] |
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| − | *[[List of young people in history|Teenagers in history]] |
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| − | *[[Youth culture]] |
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| − | *[[Youth rights]] |
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| − | **[[Student voice]] |
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| − | **[[Youth voice]] |
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| − | ===Human development and psychology=== |
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| − | *[[Adolescent psychology]] |
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| − | * [[Educational psychology]] |
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| − | *[[Developmental psychology]] |
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| − | *[[Human development]] |
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| − | *[[Erikson's stages of psychosocial development]] particularly stages 5 & 6 |
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| − | *[[Kohlberg's stages of moral development]] particularly stage 3 |
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| − | ===Compare with=== |
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| − | *[[Adult]] |
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| − | *[[Aging]] |
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| − | *[[Child]] |
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| − | *[[Peter Pan syndrome]] |
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| − | *[[Young adult (psychology)|Young adult]] |
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| − | ==External links== |
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| − | * [http://www.troubledteensinfo.com Troubled Teens Info - This site focuses on schools for troubled teens, programs for troubled teens, help for parents of troubled teens, and therapy for troubled teens]. |
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| − | * [http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/ Teens Homepage - TeensHealth offers a safe, private place to get information about health, growth, and emotions]. |
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| − | * [http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/24.cfm ''Adolescent Depression - Helping Depressed Teens''] article by the [http://www.nmha.org National Mental Health Association]. |
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| − | * [http://www.youthrights.org/ NYRA] - The National Youth Rights Association. |
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| − | * [http://www.teenjobsection.com Teen Jobs] - A site that provides resources for teens that are looking for jobs. |
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| − | * [http://www.geocities.com/hatredsucks/ Pro-Youth] - A site against ageism towards teenagers. |
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| − | * [http://www.school-survival.net School Survival] - Support site for kids/teens who hate being forced to attend school. |
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| − | * [http://www.scared-of-school.tk Scared of School] - Site for teenagers who like to learn but are scared of school for various reasons. |
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| − | * [http://www.drsobhe.com Teenage Problems] - A useful web site about Teenage Problems and possible solutions to them |
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| − | * [http://www.4TeensOnly.com 4TeensOnly.com - talk about your problems] - A Forum to talk about and solve any problems you may have. |
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| − | * [http://www.ransomfellowship.org/R_Keyes_Youth.html Youth Culture and Growing Up] - Article by Mardi Keyes on the origins and effects of modern attitudes regarding adolescence. |
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| − | * [http://www.bbc.co.uk/teens A website made for teens] |
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| − | {{succession box|title=[[Stages of human development]] |before=[[Childhood]]|after=[[Young adult (psychology)|Young adult]]|years='''Adolescence'''}} |
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| − | {{end box}} |
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| − | [[Category:Educational psychology]] |
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| − | [[Category:Human development]] |
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| − | [[de:Adoleszenz]] |
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| − | [[es:Adolescencia]] |
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| − | {{enWP|Preadolescence}} |
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Revision as of 22:31, 30 July 2006
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