The 3 stages of adolescence

This stage begins at puberty and develops through physical and mental changes.

Adolescence is one of the most important phases of life. During this time, the human body undergoes major changes changes that lead to the appearance of the features of adulthood, both physically and mentally.both physically and mentally.

However, adolescence is not a single stage in which all changes occur at the same pace. That is why it is possible to distinguish it is possible to distinguish between different stages of adolescencewhich mark the rhythm of the maturation process.

The different stages of adolescence

There are different criteria to establish when one stage of adolescence ends and another begins. In fact, there is no entirely objective criterion, there is no entirely objective and definitive criterion to establish these time boundaries, nor can there be; it all depends on the stage of adolescence.In fact, there is no entirely objective and definitive criterion to establish these time boundaries, nor can there be; it all depends on what parameters we look at.

However, that does not mean that there is no consensus on what these phases are. Below you can see them explained and described.

1. Pre-adolescence

Pre-adolescence goes from 8 to 11 years oldand consists of the stage in which the transition between childhood and adolescence takes place. Therefore, there is some ambiguity about whether this phase belongs to childhood or adolescence. What is certain is that in most cases, pre-adolescence coincides with the onset of puberty.

Physical changes

The physical changes that occur at this stage are remarkable and affect many parts of the body. For example, it is at this point that bones begin to grow rapidly and unevenly.This can make it a little more difficult to coordinate movements (a feeling of clumsiness) and slight discomfort in some joints. discomfort in some joints.

Psychological changes

At this stage of adolescence, great progress is made in the ability to think in abstract terms. great progress in the ability to think in abstract terms.. This is why one is more capable of thinking about hypothetical situations or about logical and mathematical operations. However, usually when leaving this phase one does not have total mastery in these areas.

Similarly, there is a tendency to try to fit into gender roles, so as not to break out of the stereotypes related to appearance and stereotypes related to the appearance and differentiated behaviors of men and women..

2. Early adolescence

Early adolescence occurs between 11 and 15 years of ageIt is during this period that the main hormonal changes occur, to the point that when leaving this phase the body is very different from the one it had during pre-adolescence.

Physical changes

Early adolescence is the phase in which the greatest changes in the voice occur. the greatest changes in the voice occur. Similarly, the musculature and sexual organs develop to a much more adult appearance. much more adult appearance.. The fact of having bigger muscles makes it necessary to eat more and sleep for a longer period of time.

Similarly, in many cases acne begins to appear on the face, due to an increase in the secretiondue to an increased secretion of oily substances in the skin.

Psychological changes

In early adolescence, the full capacity to think in abstract terms is conquered, although this only occurs if this ability has been practiced and has enjoyed a good education.

In the same way, gregariousness occupies a very important role, both when it comes to relating both when relating to others and looking for referents outside the family, as well as when building one's own self-esteem and self-concept. At this time, different elements are experimented with that can shape an identity, such as aesthetics related to urban tribes.

Similarly, the opinion that others have of oneself tends to be highly valued. Image and aesthetics are considered to be a primary component of one's identity and well-being.

3. Late adolescence

This is the third and final stage of adolescence, and occurs approximately between the ages of 15 and 19. between the ages of 15 and 19, according to the World Health Organization..

Physical changes

People in this phase tend to show more homogeneity in their are usually more homogeneous in their features than those in adolescence. than those in early adolescence, because the vast majority have already gone through the most abrupt changes. This has led some researchers to conclude that this phase is not substantially different from adulthood, and that it is only a social construct that exists in certain cultures and not in others. However, it must be kept in mind that the psychological impact of social constructs is very real and, therefore, can influence the maturation process, as we shall see.

During late adolescence it is customary to reach the maximum height marked by one's own growth, and the body complexion becomes fully adult.. On the other hand, the apparent disproportions that could occur in the first phase of adolescence disappear, giving a much more cohesive aspect to the dimensions of arms, legs, etc. On the other hand, the body also gains Muscle mass and the propensity to accumulate fat remains more or less stable or even reduces a little, although the adoption of better eating habits also plays a role in this.

Psychological changes

At this stage social awareness finishes developing and a lot of time begins to be devoted to thinking about situations and processes that are not limited to what can be seen, heard and touched in the immediate environment. It is a renunciation of the egocentrism typical of the previous stages, although it does not disappear completely.

Long-term plans come to occupy a much more important role than before.The image given, although still relevant, begins to cease to be one of the main pillars of one's own identity. Much of the egocentrism that defined childhood and the other stages of adolescence is abandoned, which makes it more likely that these young people will become interested in politics and social processes in general, as their objectives become more related to what lies beyond their social circles.

Although the importance of aesthetics is often declining, in some cases aesthetics is still so important that in some cases it can lead to the development of an Alienation Disorder.