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The term adolescence is derived from the Latin word “adolescence’ that means to grow to adulthood. Adolescence begins as a separate developmental stage at about the age 11 and ends at about the age of 22, the adolescence developmental stage can be distinguished based on physical and psychological characteristics and social roles. Adolescence is considered the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood that occurs between ages 13 and 19 (Santrock, 2018). But the physical and psychological changes that take place in adolescence can start earlier, during the preteen years between ages 9 and 12. Stanley Hall (1844-1924) is known as the father of adolescent psychology. He constructed a psychological theory of teenage development, and one major aspect of his theory was that this stage of life is characterized by ‘storm and stress” that most teens are by nature moody and untrustworthy.
The many physical, sexual, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that happen during this time can bring anticipation and anxiety for both adolescence and their families. Understanding what to expect at different stages can promote healthy development throughout adolescence and into early adulthood.
1. Physical development
1.1. Adolescence growth spurt
During adolescence, the rate of increase in height and weight is accelerated. Depending on feeding and other factors, girls attain their adult height towards late adolescence while boys reach their adult height during their early twenties. The speed of growth is different for various parts though all the body parts grow rapidly. This disproportionate growth rate of different body parts is referred to as asynchrony.
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