Psychology of Adolescents

Adolescence is a complex period of human development extending from ages 13 to 18. In fact, aside from infancy, no other period in life brings about as many changes in an individual as adolescence does. During this time, adolescents experience puberty, which affects physical, physiological, and psychological growth. Significant changes occur in self-concept, adolescents face an identity crisis, emotional problems increase, they reach the stage of abstract thinking, their relationships with peer groups grow, they prepare to accept adult responsibilities and enter the political and social arenas of society, and they become mentally preoccupied with choosing a future career and starting a family. The motivation behind writing this book is the special importance of this developmental stage in human life, its unique issues and problems, and the fact that our society is young. The book consists of two sections. The first section covers the principles and foundations of adolescent development, discussing topics such as theories of adolescence, physical and sexual development, intellectual and cognitive growth, socialization, and personality development. The second section addresses issues related to adolescent development, including self-concept and identity growth, gender roles and identity, parent relationships and achieving independence, peer relationships, educational experiences and academic failure, personal values and life philosophy, career choice and preparing for employment, and psychological problems during this period.