THE PASSAGE TO

ADULTHOOD:
CHALLENGES OF MIDDLE &
LATE ADOLESCENCE
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
 Most girls have completed the physical
changes related to puberty by age 15.

 Boys are still maturing and gaining

strength, muscle mass, and height and are
completing the development of sexual
traits.
EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
 May stress over school and test

scores.
 Is self-involved (may have high

expectations and low self-concept).

 Seeks privacy and time alone.
 Is concerned about physical and

sexual attractiveness.
EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
 May complain that parents prevent him or
her from doing things independently.

 Starts to want both physical and

emotional intimacy in relationships.

 The experience of intimate partnerships.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
 shifts in relationship with parents from
dependency and subordination to one that
reflects the adolescent’s increasing
maturity and responsibilities in the family
and the community.

 Is more and more aware of social

behaviors of friends.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
 Seeks friends that share the same
beliefs, values, and interests.
 Friends become more important.
 Starts to have more intellectual

interests.
 Explores romantic and sexual behaviors

with others.
 May be influenced by peers to try risky

behaviors ( alcohol, tobacco, sex).

MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
 Becomes better able to set goals
and think in terms of the future.
 Has a better understanding of

complex problems and issues.

 Starts to develop moral ideals and

to select role models.

TOXIC TRAITS
 Set standards that are too high for others to meet
because of being overly ambitious.
 Focusing on mistakes as a way to motivate

change or improved behavior.

 Made constant comparisons (self to others)
 Automatically give a negative spin to the actions

of others.
 Dominate others by being overly helpful,
implying that they are unable to do it as well.