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remains till 19 years, therefore it is also called “TEENAGE”. During this stage, the growth of
adolescents becomes spontaneous.
Some characteristics of this stage are stated below :
(a) Physical Characteristics: In adolescent period, many physical changes take place
spontaneously. The development of internal and external sexual organs begins in the adolescents
rapidly. During the period of 12 to 14 years, various changes can be seen especially in girls. In
this stage, menstrual cycle begins in girls and nightfall in boys. Hair starts appearing in the axilla
and pubic region. The enlargement of breasts begins in girls. There are changes in voice also.
Boys have broad chest, broad shoulders and normal buttock, whereas, girls have less broad
shoulders and chest. The hips of girls become very broad and legs become round. Owing to such
changes they become restless, impatient, worried and upset naturally, because they do not have
complete knowledge about such changes. Due to this reason, their activities are not balanced.
(b) Mental Characteristics: Physical growth and mental growth go simultaneously, but it is not
applicable for all the adolescents. It has been seen in case of some adolescents that they lag
behind in mental growth in the previous stages, though they achieve physical maturity much
earlier. In fact, they achieve mental growth later on, when they are able to go into the depth of a
thing. They demand self-respect, dignity and self-independence. They remain in stress and
become worried easily. They also indulge in day dreaming.
(c) Emotional Characteristics: The life of an adolescent is full of emotions. They are
sometimes happy and at the same time sad and depressed. Usually, they are emotionally
disgusted and disturbed.
(d) Social Characteristics: Usually, the adolescents adopt the way which is selected by them,
but the society creates various obstacles in their way. In such conditions, the adolescents revolt
against the traditions and customs of the society. During this stage, friends are very important to
them.
e)Motor Characteristics:-Deve,lops coordinative abilities so that better learning possible.
Changes in explosive strength and maximum strength,etc.
Adolescent problems and Their Management
Owing to various changes, children of this age group face many problems. The major problems,
which adolescents face, are described below:
1. Physical Problems: During adolescence, many physical changes take place. Menstruation
and nightfall become a phenomenon for girls and boys respectively. Development of sex glands
takes place. Due to these changes, adolescents feel restless and worried.
2. Mental Problems: During this stage, stress, tension and strife are common. These traits
create many mental problems. An adolescent faces many problems such as difficulty in co-
operating with others, maladjustment, etc. They face anxiety.
3. Problem of Aggressive Behaviour: In this age group, adolescents tend to show aggressive
behaviour. They become aggressive on small matters. They become irritated easily. This
behaviour needs to be tackled with care and politeness. Avoid being strict towards them.
4. Lack of Stability and Adjustment: Adolescents do not remain stable and face adjustment
problem. Their behaviour does not remain constant. They feel themselves unable to adjust with
other people. They fail to coordinate with others. Not only outside, but they cannot adjust
themselves in their family. They feel that they are under pressure of their parents. They want to
have free atmosphere at home.
5. Emotional Problems: The life of adolescents is full of emotions. Sometimes they seem to be
very happy and at the same time, they become sad.
6. Problems Related to Sex: During adolescence, adolescents face many problems, which are
related to sex. They try to meet the opposite sex. Sometimes, they become so eager that they do
not hesitate to leave their family. They feel restless due to their sexual urge. During this stage of
their life, parents should make them understand the rights and wrongs, without any hesitation.
7. Problems of Self Support: Each and every adolescent needs self-support. They want to make
their own place in society. They desire to live a fruitful life.