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Because of the increasing length of this period, it has been divided into early adolescence and late adolescence. Distinguishing between early adolescence and late adolescence is important because they represent different transitional periods.
Early Vs Late Adolescence
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Early Adolescence
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Late Adolescence
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Is the transition from childhood to adolescence.
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The transition is from adolescence to adulthood
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Major concern is development of the skills necessary for group interaction and group membership
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Major concern is development of the life skills, which are build on prior experiences of group interaction.
These are necessary if the individual is to stand himself in relation to the social system and culture.
They pave for later participation in a given career or life style.
Integration of organized self concept
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Develops an identity in relation to the world of school and peer group. The central feature is organization and evaluation of self concept in terms of school and peer group.
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Peer relations usually occur in the contexts of work and studies. They are not rigidly organized as in early adolescents.
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More peer pressure to conform.
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Increased personal autonomy and independence.
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Influences of the family members still exist. The discontinuities as well as continuities between values and peer group values become apparent to them.
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They become aware of the values and constraints of their society and culture. They begin to sort out the options available to them
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Greater self consciousness and focus on self.
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Greater community involvement and societal perspective taking.
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Growth spurt appears and reaches its peak
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Refinement of gender role
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Greater interest in and time spent on hobbies and collections.
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Preparation for college, career, or the world of work.
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Emergence of idealism and critical thinking.
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Elaboration of religious and political thinking.
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Improved self regulation of cognitive performance.
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Development of greater responsibility and character.
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Early adolescence is a time of growing, learning, adventuring, scoring and dreaming. It is a time of anxieties and problems, but these are outweighed by joy, innocence, excitement and gladness.
During early adolescence, the individual is making the transition from childhood to adolescence. During late adolescence, the transition is from adolescence to adulthood. (Sherrod, Haggery & Featherman, 1993). Thus, both of these must deal with the different developmental issues and tasks.
Physical changes occur very rapidly and a dramatic change in appearance takes place during early adolescence. Family members, friends and teachers notice the changes and respond to them. In turn, adolescent’s view about themselves is affected by these physical changes and how they are treated by others.
Before knowing these physical changes, it is important to understand how the concept of adolescence came about by knowing the Historical perspectives and cultural perspectives on adolescence.
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Participants