Linked to puberty, the psychological development of adolescents is defined substantially by changes in the hormonal levels, as well as differences in the perception of their sociocultural surroundings. As a result, even though there are distinctive cultural differences in the process of adolescent development, certain similarities and a common paradigm can be identified. Due to the transition to the interactions between an individual and a group observed at the adolescent stage of development, the main features of psychological change in adolescents include alterations in self-identification and group belonging, concerns associated with physical changes, and the development of cognitive differentiation and self-awareness.
Adolescent psychological development can be viewed from several standpoints. The most common are the physiological perception of adolescence as the direct effect of hormonal change and the social one implying that adolescence is linked to cultural perceptions of the subject matter (Newman & Newman, 2020). Combining the specified viewpoints will help view adolescent development as the acquisition of essential sociocultural skills and perceptions driven by the cultural perceptions of biological changes occurring in an adolescent individual (Newman & Newman, 2020). Specifically, a shift in the sense of group belongingness and self-identification occurs due to the acceptance of social ideas and values associated with specific characteristics of men and women (Newman & Newman, 2020). Similarly, adolescent development is marked by high levels of anxiety caused by the physiological changes most adolescents view as perplexing (Newman & Newman, 2020). Therefore, adolescent development requires active support and assistance in maintaining confidence and self-esteem.
Since the adolescent developmental stage features a transition toward group interactions, the main characteristics of the process involve changes in self-identity, self-awareness, and perception of one’s physical development. Specifically, the experiences of anxiety and uncertainty are highly characteristic of adolescent development. For this reason, guidance and support combined with the encouragement of independence are highly advised at the specified developmental stage.
Reference
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (2020). Theories of adolescent development. Academic Press.