Development Stages in Adolescence Lesson 4

Developmental Stages in Adolescence

• Adolescence is defined as the life stage between childhood and adulthood, typically ranging from ages 10 to 19.
• Characterized by significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth.
• Developmental ages can be categorized into:
  • Early Adolescence: approximately 10 to 13 years
  • Middle Adolescence: 14 to 16 years
  • Late Adolescence: 17 to 20 years
• American psychologists may define early adolescence starting at age 11 or 12 and late adolescence at age 18, marking the transition to young adulthood.

Variability in Maturity

• Maturation varies among individuals due to factors such as genetics, environment, and economic conditions.
• Not all individuals mature at the same pace; some may experience delayed or accelerated development.

Erikson's Stages of Personality Development

• Erik Erikson outlined eight stages of personality development, each associated with a specific crisis or conflict.
• Successful resolution of these crises leads to favorable outcomes, while failure can result in negative developments.
• Stages flow into one another, meaning unresolved conflicts can impact subsequent developmental stages.

Key Stages and Conflicts

• Each of Erikson's stages features:
  • An influential factor (e.g., parents, teachers)
  • A crisis to resolve (e.g., trust vs. mistrust)
  • Possible results of resolving the crisis (favorable vs. unfavorable).

Resolution Examples

• Infancy (0-18 months): Trust vs. Mistrust
  • Favorable: Trust in others
  • Unfavorable: Mistrust, withdrawal
• Early Childhood (18 months - 3 years): Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
  • Favorable: Independence and self-control
  • Unfavorable: Shame and doubt leading to feelings of incompetence.

Objectives of Study

• Classify developmental tasks by stage.
• Evaluate personal development against peers.
• List methods for becoming a responsible adolescent prepared for adulthood.