Main Content
Lesson 01: Introduction to Adolescence
Summary of Perspectives
| Perspective | When Adolescence Begins | When Adolescence Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | Attainment of a designated age (e.g. 10 years) | Attainment of a designated age (e.g. 21 years) |
| Biological | Onset of puberty | Becoming capable of sexual reproduction |
| Cognitive | Emergence of more advanced reasoning abilities | Consolidation of advanced reasoning abilities |
| Educational | Entrance into junior high school | Completion of formal schooling |
| Cultural | Entrance into period of training for ceremonial right of passage | Completion of a ceremonial rite of passage |
| Social | Beginning of training for adult work, family and citizen roles | Full attainment of adult status and privileges |
| Individualization | Emergence of attempt to discover who we are as an individual and be more self-sufficient | Reaching a level of self-sufficiency and understanding of who we are as a person |
Table modified from Steinberg (2008).