Adolescence is a period of biological, psychological, sexual and social development immediately following childhood and beginning with puberty.
According to the World Health Organization, adolescence is the period between 10 and 19 years old and is within a broader period, youth, which extends between 10 and 24 years old. Three stages are distinguished within this period: puberty, preadolescence or initial adolescence, which is the first phase is from 10 years to 13 years, the second phase is from 14 years to 16 years and late adolescence takes place between 17 and 19 years old.
What characterizes this stage?
Adolescence is primarily a time of change. It is the stage that marks the process of transformation of a child into an adult; it is a transition period that has peculiar characteristics. It is a stage of discovery of one's own identity (psychological identity, sexual identity...) as well as individual autonomy.
In the emotional aspect, the arrival of adolescence means the emergence of the emotional capacity to feel and develop emotions that are identified or related to love. The adolescent can make use of his autonomy and begin to choose his friends and the people he will love.
Psychological changes during adolescence are part of the development of all people. They are inevitable and do not have a single pattern, even though we can identify some common traits. Therefore, they do not occur exactly the same in all individuals.
Changes in the way of thinking of adolescents
It is a stage in which thinking evolves from the logic that is applied in childhood to the abstract thinking that characterizes adults.
They begin assumptions, reasoning based on hypotheses and draw their own conclusions. From this new way of thinking, they question everything the world presents to them; Even what was undoubted is now undoubted.
The teenager begins to think about his future. Because they have their own thoughts, they focus their feelings toward certain values or ideas, but because they still depend on others, it is difficult for them to make decisions. Sometimes, they do not measure the consequences of their actions, a product of their search for immediate satisfaction.
What are the main psychological changes that occur in adolescents and how do they manifest themselves in their behaviors?
There are many individual differences between people who are in this stage, however, there are a series of traits that frequently occur in adolescence and are described below:
Concern about the thoughts of others. Although this stage is characterized by egocentrism, adolescents begin to worry about the opinion that others may have. In particular, the opinions of their friends greatly influence them. The trust that he had until now placed in his parents he now transfers to his friends.
Need for privacy. The young man begins to need his own space, which is why he locks himself in his room, and it bothers them when a family member tries to invade that space. He begins to be more reserved, not wanting to tell things about his life to his parents.
Exploration of your sexuality. Curiosity towards romantic and sexual relationships begins. It is a stage of discoveries and exploration in this sense
Personal independence. The teenager begins to make his own decisions and strengthen self-confidence.
Humor changes. Mood changes are related to the hormonal changes that occur in this period of life. The young man feels on a kind of emotional roller coaster. This makes them easily irritated and their emotions are always on the surface and they can react disproportionately to the slightest comment.
Feelings of loneliness. They tend to feel alone and misunderstood by adults. Sometimes, they express concern about the rapid changes, both physical and psychological, that they are experiencing.
How can professionals accompany minors at this stage?
One of the main changes that must occur at this stage is the mode of communication. Communication must stop being complementary and become concordant; the adult must dialogue with the adolescent as an equal, capable of understanding reasons and assuming responsibilities.
Adults during adolescence must contain, set limits and teach. Containing means accompanying without suffocating, helping to think, analyzing events without imposing or devaluing, accepting their growth, helping them to make their own decisions.
Setting limits is good for teenagers, none of them like limits, but their absence harms them more. The adult must be a lighthouse for the adolescent that serves as a guide in moments of darkness and storm.
We cannot forget that although at this stage, they are not especially open to receiving advice and opinions from adults, we continue to be the model on which they look and through which they learn values such as effort, coexistence and empathy. We must be exemplary in everyday behaviors and attitudes.
Find out all the details in the syllabus of the Postgraduate in Intervention with minors most in demand in the sector.
