Adolescents 101

SOME QUICK TIPS ON HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR TEEN PSYCHOLOGICALLY

Adolescence is a period of time when risky and resilient behaviors develop, and also when both positive and negative outcomes can occur. This developmental period is determined by the release of hormones. These hormones trigger physical and biological changes. these changes are accompanied by growth and increased metabolism as well as genital development and the appearance of secondary sex characteristics. During this time, individuals have changes in social and emotional regulations as well as cognitive abilities. (Vijayakumar, 2018)

What is Puberty?

Puberty is The time between the first onrush of hormones and full adult physical development. Puberty usually lasts three to five years. Many more years are required to achieve psychosocial maturity. (Berger, 2010). Puberty is started with the release of hormones. What is a Hormone? A hormone is an organic chemical substance that is produced by the body tissue and moved through the bloodstream to other parts of the body to affect its function(s). Various hormones influence thoughts, urges, emotions, and behavior (Berger, 2010) Puberty development can be a complicated process with multiple biological and physical changes. (Vijayakumar, 2018)

Influences on the Age of Puberty

Between the ages of 11 to 12, is the most likely visible change during puberty. Hormone levels increase as the changes take place. Girls generally develop quicker than boys. Most adolescents, especially going through a growth spurt. This is a relatively sudden and rapid development and growth in the physical body. Boys tend to have higher yields of growth spurts in height than girls do (Berger, 2010). There is usually weight and height gains, and growth of the arms and legs on the body. After such muscle usually increases due to hormones.

Neurological Development

“Adolescence is a key stage in human development, incorporating physical, social, and psychological changes, and culminating in the attainment of a stable adult role” (Goddings e.t al, 2012 ). It has been discussed at the onset of puberty that Different parts of the brain grow at different rates. The limbic system develops which directly controls emotional impulses and fear before the prefrontal cortex which directly deals with emotional regulation and planning. This means when emotions are intense in the adolescent(s), the logical portion of the brain usually shuts down. This is especially true with friends and peer groups. (Berger, 2010).

There are several aspects of adolescent brain development that create positive outcomes such as increased dopamine activity. This is responsible for increasing pleasure in experiences. Growth in the brain enhances development in morals and experiencing new ideas. Som concerns during puberty are the following: Slower maturing and developing boys are usually more anxious, afraid of sex, and tend to be more depressed, while early maturing boys tend to be more aggressive, alcohol abusers, and defiant. Girls who mature earlier also have increased levels of depression, decreased self-esteem, and poor body image issues (Berger, 2010). Girls from ages 9 through 16 tend to have increased and more frequent emotional responses than with girls in late puberty. (Goddings e.t al, 2012 )

Puberty and adolescent development play a major part in biological development. Also what plays a part in the emotional development of adolescents is the family relationship. This is a vital factor in explaining progression in tendencies during puberty and adolescence (Díaz-Morales, Escribano, Jankowski, Vollmer, Randler, 2014).

Thinking About Oneself

Mentally, most adolescents will experience egocentrism. This is A characteristic of adolescent thinking. Individuals from ages 10 to 14 usually focus on themselves and not others. According to Piaget, during this time, cognitive development increases. They’re able to think more logically and abstractly and developed better ideas prior to earlier years. Reasoning increases, specifically in the form of deductive and inductive reasoning. Intuitive thought and analytic thoughts are also being developed in the cognitive abilities of the adolescent(s) (Berger, 2010).

Problems in behaviors for adolescent(s) has been increasingly associated with the following: exposure to risks in individual, family or social contexts, substance abuse, problems with academics, addictions, bullying, running away, prostitution, and other maladaptive behavior pathways which may cause social conflicts and issues. (Sohn, Buchanan, Heo, Lee, 2019)

Methods to Handle Adolescent Changes

Studies have suggested emotion regulation as an important factor of psychological well being and health in adolescence from ages 6–17. Successful implementation of emotion regulation strategies helps this age group develop more optimally (Cracco, Goossens, Braet, 2017). Some of the positive adaptive strategies are :(Problem Solving, Distraction, Forgetting, Acceptance, Humor Enhancement, Cognitive Problem Solving, and Revaluation). Some of the negative maladaptive strategies are : (Giving Up, Withdrawal, Rumination, Self-Devaluation, and Aggressive Actions) (Cracco, Goossens, Braet, 2017).

According to Sohn, Buchanan, Heo, and Lee (2019 “Early intervention for problem behavior promotes the positive development of adolescents to grow into beneficial members of society, and also reduce the societal harm and cost that may result from antisocial behaviors, thus making a meaningful first step towards examining factors that cause problem behaviors which have a negative influence all throughout the developmental course”.

There was a study conducted which stated that children and youth can develop mental health problems during the pubertal stage in adolescents. Overall, there have been reported cases of fatigue, irritability, defiant behaviors, and substance abuse. Females displayed increased uncertainty in social behaviors, worrying mindsets, mood swings, and depression. Males showed a decrease in self-criticism. Puberty seems to affect females more negatively than males (Oldehinkel, Verhulst, and Ormel, 2010). I believe that puberty will always have an effect on young individuals' minds and behavior. It can affect the way they think or act. Depending on what the individual goes through during puberty, it can have an effect on their lifestyle as well as decisions or mental health.

It is important for people to understand theories of individual and family development because, in order to effectively teach other individuals, they should recognize how each individual thinks and acquires knowledge. They should be aware of the psychosocial and cognitive stages of development so as to successfully get through to their children.