Growth and Development During Adolescence { Part 3 }

Growth and Development during Adolescence

Adolescence begins in biology and ends in culture. It is a period of growth which is characterised by rapid physical, emotional, social, moral and intellectual developments. The following are the developments during adolescence.

(a) Physical growth/changes in Adolescence

(1) Height and Weight (size) and bodily development:

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical growth and dramatic bodily changes. There is a sudden change in height and weight due to hyper activity of endocrine glands. The girls are about two years ahead of the boys in the early adolescence in almost all the physical growth and maturity but boys are able to compensate it in the later part of the adolescence period. The glands become active and there is increased production of hormones. Arms and heart also grow in length and size. There is growth in bones and muscles and as a consequence adolescent become conscious and comes to acquire great energy and power.

(ii) Appearance and voices

There is a change in appearance, face is more angular, sound is hoarse and high-pitched and sweeter in case of girls. Many boys begin to shave, though most of them have little reason to do so. Slowly not only face whiskers but also hair comes on the forearms, and legs and chest begin to appear in a goodshape. In case of females, the face takes on a softer look, the lips become fuller and the breast start filling out.

(iii) Change in body functions

With the secretion of hormones from ductless glands there is change in body functions. The muscles hardens, menstruation starts in girls and night emissions in boys. The sensory and motor organs assume their complete development during this period. Cole said 'Adolescence is a period of growth in all systems of the body to the fullest and greatest possible extent. Stanley Hall pointed out that "not only motor activity increases but there is also a great development in the motor power".

Thus adolescence is a period of growth. In the course of a few years the individual undergoes changes in both size and proportion-changes that take him/her from a childish to a mature level. The rapidity, variety, and force of these developments are alike bewildering, even though they are sometimes exciting and satisfactory. The alternations are indeed so extensive that some people have regarded adolescence as a sort of second birth. Usually there some degree of mal co-ordination to be seen during the period. is therefore essential that teachers should keep in mind the physical background of adolescence so that effective learning can takes place.

The most characteristic developments during adolescence are the lengthening of all the long bones and the final articulation of all the bones at their respective joints, changes which underlie the increases in height and strength. The wisdom teeth appear, causing some trouble, the face changes a great deal and loses its childish contours by the end of adolescence period.

(b) Sexual development

Puberty, the 'centering event of adolescence, refers to the beginning of sexual maturity. The maturity of the sex glands is the most important single development of the adolescent years. In case of the males the penis, growth of pubic hair, prostate gland and seminal vesicles begin to work. Similarly in females gradual enlargement of the reproductive organs. change in ovaries and uterus, development of breasts, pelvic area and menstruation starts. All girls become self-conscious about this type of change. Both boys and girls develop attraction towards the opposite sex. Members of both sexes display a variety of attitudes towards the changes in their bodily functions and these attitudes influence their personalities, their school work, and their general adjustment to life.

(c) Mental Development during Adolescence

During the adolescence the capacity to acquire and to utilise knowledge reaches its peak efficiency. Adolescent becomes capable of accomplishing more easily, more quickly and more efficiently intellectual tasks and he or she is able to define problems and to give reason about them. Thus there is a marked growth in mental power. He can apply logical thought to all classes of problems. Problem solving behaviour also appears at this stage. The adolescent can plan carefully, design an experiment appropriately, observe the results accurately and draw conclusions rightly.

In simple sense we can say that adolescents may concentrate for longer time, think abstractly, development of permanent memory starts, imagination power increases, development of logic, more curious to ask questions, become critical to everything, start thinking about their future vocations, marked increase in vocabulary and matures mentally.

He has a greater ability to form concepts, the concept of time gradually gains in clarity and tendency to over-generalise the concept is still present. The adolescent shows an increased Interest in national and International affairs and is seriously concerned about his place in society and his success in his role.

He is more introspective and analytical and Piaget called it formal operation period of cognitive development. This period of intellectual development is the ability to "see through" situations of all kinds to their inner meaning.

(d) Religious beliefs and Moral Development during

An interest in or a revolt against religion is an integral part of adolescence. In spite of a small minority of highly verbal cynics, religion continues to play a part in human existence and is of special value during the adolescent years in formulating ideals and standards of conduct.

By the time the child reaches adolescence, his moral conduct is fairly well informed and he is capable of understanding what is right and what is wrong. The desire to reform the world and to do some good work during life time is very strong. Most young people want to find a satisfactory philosophy of life and his values are influenced by peer group than by parental values system.

(e) Emotional Development during Adolescence

Emotional life of adolescence concerns loyalties to the group, aggression and affection. Peel has commented that "the adolescent is beset by problems of divided loyalties. accentuated by the lack of adult privileges and responsibilities. He thus appears excessively aggressive and then excessively shy, excessively affectionate and then quite suddenly detached and cool because of bodily changes." Thus, sometimes he is "hillarious" but on the otherhand he is extremely "melancholy". He is also very sensitive and does not welcome any criticism or attack on his prestige.

Strange feelings capture the minds of adolescents. Sex consciousness raises the feelings of curiosity, secretiveness and guilt. He has a strong group feelings and loves adventure, travel and wandering. Emotions become realistic and some time he is over-joyed by his success but at the sametime he is extremely depressed and sad by imagining the problems of finding a job. Adolescents may be termed as moody because their emotions fluctuate too rapidly.

The onset of sexual maturity also contributes to adolescent fears and anxiety. Emotions become intensed like hate some one strongly and love passionately. If they suffer from inferiority complex and do not get their dues they may think to run out from the house (to do some better work) and also to commit suicide, if it becomes more perplexed.

(1) Social Development during Adolescence

Adolescents are tremendously sensitive to social stimuli. They react faster and more deeply to the influence of their age-mates than to that of adults. Adolescents strive for psychological separation from their parents. Gregarious instinct plays an important role in this period. He continues to be a member of a gang or group. Adolescents often act in very inconsistent ways. Peer group relationship established according to their sex, interests, abilities and attitudes.

During the teenage years, hetrosexual relationships emerge. Development of conscience and "peer culture", the sum total of spontaneous social manifestations among age mates, is most influential during the adolescence. Self consciousness increases, want to be praised by others and want social approval of their mode of behaviour, development of leadership qualities and love social service and like to serve in the fairs, festivals, social gatherings, etc. During this period adolescents follow adult culture patterns in their behaviour. Loyalty to group is strengthened and develop insight into social human relation. They often come into conflict with adults on social problems and tradition of the community.

Stages Of Adolescence and Objectives of the Adolescence Period { Part 2 }

 Stages Of Adolescence and Objectives of the Adolescence Period

E.B. Hurlock lists the entire range of adolescence period as follows:

(1) Pre-adolescence-11to 13 years (girls): 13 to 15 years (boys) 

(2) Early-adolescence-13 to 15 years (girls); 15 to 17 years (boys)

(3) Middle-adolescence-15 to 18 years (girls); 17 to 19 years (boys)

(4) Late-adolescence-18 to 21 years (girls): 19 to 21 years (boys)

It is understood that one does not automatically pass from one of these periods to another on a given birthday. One level of development help the other. In order to pass from childhood to adulthood the child is to pass through the adolescence period which is full of problems. During this period hetro-sexual interests, free from home supervision, make new emotional and social adjustments to reality, began to evolve a philosophy of life, achieve economic and intellectual independence, and learn how to use his/her leisure time profitably, etc., are developed. If he fails in any of these achievements, he fails to gain full maturity. Let us now discuss in detail in terms of change from a childish towards an adult level.

Development during Adolescence

 DEVELOPMENT DURING ADOLESCENCE

Introduction

Psychologists recognize that many options for change remain open throughout life. Understanding human behaviour over the life span is a major focus of developmental psychology. With the coming of adolescence, physiological changes accelerate, sexual maturity arrives, social relationship become more intense and new cognitive capacities emerge. Although psychological maturity does not occur quite so rapidly the teenage years are a time of dramatically speeded up development. When we speak of the adolescent as 'growing up' we mean that the youth has leaving behind the phase of protective childhood and is becoming independent, capable of going out to fend for himself. Let us now discuss the above period in details.

Meaning of Adolescence

The term 'adolescence' is derived from the Latin verb "adolescere" which means to grow to maturity or to grow-up. This period is most critical period of individual development which begins from 12-13 years and ends at 21/22 years. During this period the establishment of the childhood goes away and a revolutionary change starts. Thus this period is known as revolutionary period of human life during which the child develops into a man or woman. It is characterized by the change in physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of individuals. During these years, one is neither a child nor an adult and generally referred as the period of life from puberty to maturity.

The period of adolescence is defined in several ways

These are the following :

1. According to A.T. Jersild "Adolescence is that span of years during which boys and girls move from childhood to adulthood mentally, emotionally. socially and physically".

2. From biological point of view this is a period of rapid growth. The period of adolescence begins when the individual shows the first signs of making the transition to sexual maturity and ends when physical growth almost ceases at about the age of 21. 

3. According to Hadfield "when we speak of adolescent as 'growing up' we mean that the youth is leaving behind the phase of protective childhood and is becoming independent, capable of going out to fend for himself".

4. Mead defined "Adolescence is the period from the beginning of sexual maturity (puberty) to the completion of growth."

5. According to Hall  "Adolescence is that period of human life where an individual is capable of producing of offsprings of same kind."

6. According to sociological interpretation of the word adolescence, "it is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood when a child moves from dependency to independency in his behaviour."

The child takes a new birth in adolescence. It is more or less like a jump from one stage to the other. Thus, with this period various adjectives are attached. These are the following:

(a) Adolescence is a period of "spring of life".

(b) Adolescence is called "attractive age" but "uneven and strange in life".

(c) Adolescence is the period of "Stress and strain" and "storm and strife" (Stanley Hall).

(d) Adolescence a "Phenomenon" which happens once in life time.

(e) Adolescence is a period of "teen age".

(f) Adolescence is a period of "youth".

(g) Adolescence is the period of "transition from childhood to adulthood".

(h) Adolescence is called the "revolutionary period" of human life.

(i) Adolescence is called a "sharp and distinct critical period" in development.

(j) Adolescence is a "period of second birth" (Hall's). 

(k) Adolescence may be called "sensitive" period in development. 

(l) Adolescence begins in "biology and ends in culture"

Needs of the Study of Adolescence Period

Adolescence is the most important period in human development about which poets, writers, historians have made references. It is a period of transition and a turning point in the life of the individual. The following are the needs to study the psychology of adolescence.

1. Understanding developmental characteristics

To study the adolescence period means to understand the growth and development in almost all dimensions of the above period. It helps the parents, teacher and all others who are responsible for proper development of the adolescents and guide him/her to adjust in a better way in the society.

2. Adjustment to responsibilities

The study of adolescence period helps the teachers and parents to know the responsibilities of the adolescents and guide them to live harmoniously without any emotional tension.

3. Maintenance of mental health

The study of adolescence helps the parents and teachers to prevent, cure and improve the deteriorating trends in mental health of adolescents.

4. Planning Curriculum and Education

The study of adolescence period help the teacher, curriculum workers and guidance personnel to plan curricular and co-curricular activities according to the needs, interests and aptitudes, etc., of adolescence.

5. To study the maturity and curiosity

The knowledge of the psychology of adolescence help the teacher and parents to understand the maturity level. behavioural characteristics and their curiosity in relation to the larger interest of the society.

Characteristics of Adolescence Period

Hurlock in her book 'Developmental Psychology' outlines the following characteristics of the adolescence period.

(1) Adolescence is an important period

Adolescence is a complex and often difficult period in development both for adolescents and for their families. Because of rapid physical, physiological and cognitive changes. and by an accelerating succession of urgent societal demands. adolescents face formidable challenges in the essential task of deciding who they are, what they are going to be, and how they are going to get these. Thus this is an important period of the human life.

(2) Adolescence is a transitional period

Adolescence is a period of transition and rapid change. Neither the person is called a child nor an adult because the individual has crossed the childhood and yet to react the stage of adulthood. Thus the status of the individual is vague and diffused and there is a confusion about the roles he/she is going to play. Sometimes his innocent behaviour is either called "childish" or "too big for his age".

(3) Adolescence is a period of change

It is a general characteristics of the adolescence period. During this stage there is a change in physical, psychological and sociological aspects of individuals along with values. attitudes, interests, and behaviours. Thus consistency and inconsistency is found out in the life cycle.

(4) Adolescence is a period of ego centric and problem age

The sudden and rapid changes of physical and psychological aspects during this stage create problem for the adolescents. Adolescent youth are interested to solve their problems independently and try to achieve independence from parents, establish co-operative and workable relationships with peers and prepare for a meaningful vocation. But sometime they do not have the capacity nor the experience to solve their problems, which itself create a problem for them.

(5) Adolescence is a time of search for identity

Each of the periods has its own problems which must be solved if the individuals are to enter the next period without handicap. Adolescence is perhaps no more important a stage of development then any other, but it is the last stage before adulthood, and it therefore, offers to both parents and teachers the last opportunity to educate a child for his adult responsibilities. During this period adolescents begin to search for their identity and try to develop individuality in their own way which sometimes lead to identity crisis in some adolescents.

(6) Adolescence is a period of unrealism

During this period the aspirations, thoughts and achievement, etc., are more idealistic rather than realistic. The young boys and girls think more unrealistic, false and absurd ideas which sometime hurt and disappoint them in life. It is found out that this false idealistic ideas disappears gradually and adolescent see their life, family and friends more realistically.

(7) Adolescence is a period of Hero-Worship and sexual maturity

During this period the boys and girls consider themselves they are the hero and heroine of the life cycle. They think they can do and undo everything during their life span without understanding the reality of the life. The above feelings take place due to the sudden sexual development on the part of the boys and girl

(8) Adolescence is a period of intensely emotion

During this period the youth often resulting in intense excitement and deep depression. Sometimes he/she may exhibit a "know-it-all" attitude. Boys like to be thought big, strong and healthy. Girls desire prettiness. In both the sexes there is interest in and emphasis on physical attractiveness and good grooming.

(9) Adolescence is a period of sexual delinquency

During this period sexual manifestation may cause self consciousness and desire for other ties. It is a period of mutual liking, thus homosexual and hetrosexual feelings create confusion among the adolescents.

(10) Adolescence is a period of high moral values and sacrifice

During this period high moral values is seen. The adolescents youth likes to serve in the fairs, festivals, social gatherings, etc., and sacrifice their own conveniences for social service due to their high moral feelings.