Adolescent Development & Puberty

Adolescence is the time of transition from childhood to adulthood, and can be a confusing and overwhelming time for young people! Adolescence usually begins around 9-11 years old (early adolescence) and can end as late as age 24 (late adolescence). This period of time includes many changes ranging from emotional, cognitive (brain and mind), social, and physical. During adolescence, puberty is the stage of physical and sexual maturation. Take a look below at some of the different changes adolescents experience during this time. 

  1. Cognitive: One of the first changes that occurs during adolescence is to the brain, and it continues to change until a person's early to mid-20s. This is called a "remodeling" process; some parts of the brain are hard at work while others are changing and developing. The brain is also responsible for starting puberty, releasing a hormone that signals the reproductive system to prepare for adult functioning, including sexual and reproductive maturation.  
    • Develop more advanced reasoning skills; ability to think hypothetically and logically
    • Move from concrete thinking to abstract, complex ideas and possibilities 
    • Consider many points of view, compare, and debate
    • Ability to plan ahead, solve problems, and make decisions
    • Improved self-control
  2. Emotional:
    • Adolescents feel in BIG ways: they may start to experience more intense emotions and quick, changing moods (referred to as "mood swings"). This may lead to more conflict as your child learns how to control and express their emotions.
      • Due to cognitive (brain) development and changing hormone levels
    • Sensitivity to others, empathy, and compassion
    • Feeling more self-concious about self and body; social comparison
  3. Social:
    • Develop personal identity and invidual set of values and morals; a deeper understanding of who they are and where they fit in the world
    • Desire for independence and new experiences
      • Exploring personal limits and abilities and testing parent/guardian boundaries
    • More responsibilities at school and home
    • Romantic feelings or "crushes" 
    • Friendships become more important.
      • More influence from friends and peers with behavior, appearance, interests, and self-esteem
  4. Physical:
    • Organs, such as lungs and gastrointesinal (GI) tract, will grow. Bones increase in thickness and volume.
    • Gain weight: Girls tend to gain more fat which is needed for sexual maturation and menstruation while boys tend to gain more muscle.
    • Body odor: This comes from bacteria that feeds on sweat found in the armpit and genital areas. 
    • Changes in skin and hair: Glands become more active during puberty, producing more oil and can lead to acne.  
      • Girls:
        • Breast development is usually the first visible sign that puberty is starting. Each breast might grow at different speeds. Breast tenderness is normal. 
          • Girls may start wearing training bras or bras with padding for comfort.
        • Change in body shape, including hips widening.
        • External genitals (vulva, labia, and clitoris) and pubic hair will grow. Pubic hair gets darker and thicker over time. 
        • Hair begins to grow under their arms. Girls may also notice thin hair, sometimes called "peach fuzz", growing on their face. 
        • Menstruation, or periods, begin and are usually irregular for the first year. Once a month, mensutration is when the uterine lining (as well as blood) is shed. Girls may experience mild cramping or discomfort during or leading up to menstruation. Please consult a doctor if menstruation is painful as it may indicate a more serious condition.
      • Boys: 
        • External genitals (penis, testes, and scrotum) start to grow. More testosterone is released which stimulates testes to produce sperm. 
          • Erections and ejaculation, including nocturnal emissions (or "wet dreams")
        • Hair, hair, everywhere!
          • Pubic hair starts to grow, and gets darker and thicker over time.
          • Hair begins to grow under their arms and on their face.
          • Body hair increases. Leg and arm hair will thicken.
        • Growth spurt, including chest and shoulder broadening. 
        • Larynx ("Adam's apple") gets larger and voice will break, becoming deeper.
        • Minor breast development is common. 

Adapted from: University of Rochester Medical Center & Raising Children 

Additional Resources:

Page contributions by: Betsy Sorensen (University of Arizona MPH Student)