What key developmental tasks do adolescents face?
The adolescent period is one of struggle and sometimes turmoil as the adolescent strives to develop a personal identity and achieve a successful transition from childhood to adulthood. Physical and sexual maturity are reached during adolescence, with girls tending to experience both puberty and a growth spurt earlier than boys. In addition, adolescents develop increasingly sophisticated cognitive and interpersonal skills, test out adult roles and behaviors, and begin to explore educational and occupational opportunities that will significantly influence future adult work life and socioeconomic status.
