Late Adolescence: What is it?

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Late adolescence is the final stage of physical and emotional growth, occurring between ages 17 and 22. Young adults become more self-reliant, focus less on peer opinions, and set goals for the future. They explore moral and spiritual beliefs and are intellectually ideal for higher education and career goals. Early and mid-adolescence are periods of physical growth, experimentation with sex, and seeking independence. Mid-adolescence is when abstract thinking, questioning authority, and moral and spiritual beliefs gain importance.

Late adolescence development represents the final stage of physical and emotional growth as children transition into adulthood. Distinct changes in thinking and behavior occur in early, mid, and late adolescence to prepare children for independence. Late adolescent development occurs somewhere between the ages of 17 and 22, when adolescents become fully mature mentally and physically.

This is when young adults feel most comfortable with their body images and sexuality. Young people in this stage of development typically seek committed personal relationships and intimacies. They usually become more self-reliant and focus less on the opinions of their peers. Late adolescence development is when goals for the future are set.

Moral exploration may also begin during this stage of emotional growth. The maturing individual may begin to think about global moral issues and how they fit into the equation. This young man may begin to weigh the moral implications of his decisions. Late adolescence development typically includes a period of spiritual exploration as part of the identity-finding process.

Intellectually, this stage of development is usually ideal for higher education. Young adults in this period can fully express their ideas and consider other points of view. They are usually interested in education and setting career goals. They could gain financial independence during this period of life.

The process of becoming an adult begins when a child is between the ages of 10 and 14, a period referred to as the early adolescence. This is when a young person begins to physically change, considered a time of peak growth. These physical changes commonly lead young adolescents to worry about body image and turn to peers for approval. A child in this growing season may start thinking about sex and experimenting with masturbation.

Mid-adolescence development usually occurs between 15 and 18 years of age. Rapid physical growth slows down, and thinking turns to abstract concepts. These kids might feel invincible, but they’re starting to understand cause and effect. At the same time, they may begin to explore sexual experiences and engage in risky behavior. A child in this stage may seek independence and privacy and show less concern about conformity with a peer group.

This is the period when moral and spiritual beliefs could gain importance. Thinking typically becomes more conceptual to prepare the adolescent for adulthood during late adolescent development. Social awareness and questioning authority also commonly occur during the middle stage of growing up.




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