Psychological &

Social aspects of
Adolescents’ Life

Miss. Hemangi Narvekar

Clinical Psychologist & Research Scholar
CHRIST Deemed to be University, Bangalore – 560029
Email: narvekar.hem19@gmail.com Website: www.hemanginarvekar.in
 Adolescence
Age
• 10 to 19 years (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)
• 10 to 24 years (The Lancet, Child & Adolescent Health, 2018)

Stages of Adolescents
• Early Adolescence (Ages 10-14)
• Middle Adolescence (Ages 15-17)
• Late Adolescence/Young Adulthood (Ages 18-24)
 Child. Youth. Adolescence.

These words convey very different meanings:

• Child suggests dependency
• Youth signals independence
• Adolescence captures the notion of the growing individual who is able
to take increasing responsibility, but who still needs more protection
than an adult
• Growing into Maturity
Adolescence
• Transition from childhood to adulthood
• Begins with the onset of physiologically normal puberty, and ends
when an adult identity and behaviour are accepted
• Period of Stress and turmoil (Stanley Hall)
• Stage of Formal Operation (Piaget)
• Stage of Identity vs Confusion (Erickson)
Physical Development
• Physical Growth
• Appearance of Secondary
Sex characteristics
Psychological Development
• Identity
• Self-Concept
• Self-esteem
• Body-Image
• Gender Role
• Hormones & Behaviour
• Sexual-orientation
• Masturbation
 Cognitive Development
• Advanced Reasoning
• Abstract Thinking
Yes…
• idealistic and logical thinking
It’s normal for adolescents to
• Enhanced Learning
• Problem-solving 1. Argue for the sake of arguing

• Reflect 2. Jump to conclusions

• Plan for the future 3. Be self-centered
4. Constantly find faults in adults
5. Be overly dramatic
Emotional Development
Intense moods & feelings

Emotional competence – Sensitive to others

Self-consciousness

Decision –making
 Social Development
• Ego-centrism
• Perspective-taking
• Independence
• Values – Moral Development
• Responsibility
 Social Development
• Relationship with Parents
• Relationship with Peers
• Adolescents-Adult Relationships
• Romantic Relationships
• Work & Leisure
• Adolescents & Media
 Common Problems of Adolescents
• Aggressiveness
• Withdrawal
• Rebellious Attitude
• Excessive Day-dreaming
• Personal Appearance
• Emotional Tension
• Developmental Problems
• Economic Independence
• School failure & dropping out
• Pregnancy & STD
 Psychological Problems
• Misconceptions regarding menstruation, sex, pregnancy, etc
• Aggression & Delinquency
• Learning Disabilities
• Depression
• Suicide
• Anxiety
• Substance Abuse –Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug
• Eating Disorders
 Educational
Problems
• Rigid Curriculum
• School Environment
• Examinations
• Grades
• Careers
• Lack of guidance system
 How to protect Adolescent’s
Health?
• Stable, Positive Relationship With at Least One Caring Adult
• Religious and Spiritual Anchors
• High, Realistic Academic Expectations and Adequate Support
• Positive Family Environment
• Emotional Intelligence and Ability To Cope With Stress
• Ask for help from Counsellors or Psychologists
 References
• Lerner, R. M., & Steinberg, L. (Eds.) (2004). Handbook of Adolescent Psychology. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

• Sawyer, S. M., Azzopardi, P. S., Wickremarathne, D., & Patton, G. C. (2018). The age of adolescence. The Lancet Child & Adolescent

Health, 2(3), 223–228. doi:10.1016/s2352-4642(18)30022-1

• Adolescent Development. Retrieved from http://

www.amchp.org/programsandtopics/AdolescentHealth/projects/Pages/AdolescentDevelopment.aspx

• Social and emotional changes: 9-15 years. Retrieved from https://

raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/social-emotional-development/social-emotional-changes-9-15-years

• Developing Adolescents. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/develop.pdf

• Adolescent Development Explained. Retrieved from https://

opa.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/opa-adolescent-development-explained-download.pdf