The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves rapid physical and mental changes, and is a time for exploring identity and learning independence. It's also a period of instability where individuals must learn new skills, behaviors, and self-perceptions. This transition can be stressful and challenging for teens.
Physical changes
Puberty causes growth spurts, body odor, acne, and more body hair. Females may also experience changes in fat distribution.
Mental changes
The brain undergoes rapid changes. Adolescents develop resilience, and can recover from bad moods in about half the time it takes adults.
Identity exploration
Young people develop their identity and learn to handle more complex relationships.
Independence
Expectations increase for young people to take responsibility for themselves, make independent decisions, and become self-sufficient.
Life decisions
Choices regarding education, employment, marriage, and parenthood determine individual developmental pathways.
Self-esteem
Adolescents can develop self-esteem by making mistakes, learning from them, and holding themselves accountable.