A teenager’s development can be divided into three stages – early, middle, and late adolescence. The normal feelings and behaviors of adolescents for each stage are described below. Movement Toward Independence
Struggle with sense of identity Moodiness Improved abilities to use speech to express oneself More likely to express feelings by action than by words Close friendships gain importance Less attention shown to parents, with occasional rudeness Realization that parents are not perfect; identification of their faults Search for new people to love in addition to parents Tendency to return to childish behavior Peer group influences interests and clothing styles Increasing career interests Mostly interested in present and near future Greater ability to work
Girls ahead of boys Shyness, blushing, and modesty More showing off Greater interest in privacy Experimentation with body (masturbation) Worries about being normal
Rule and limit testing Occasional experimentation with cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol Capacity for abstract thought
