1
the period of development that we call adolescence is and exciting one.

2
it is filled with turmoil and growth toward independence and the beginning of lifelong commitments

3
it is clearly a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to the independence of adulthood.

4
it is very difficult, however, to specify exactly when adolescence begins or when it ends.

5
we may choose to define adolescence in biological terms.
in that case, adolescence
begins with the onset of puberty and
ends with the end of physical growth.

6
or we may adopt a more psychological perspective.
this approach emphasizes the development of the cognitions, feelings and behaviors that characterize adolescence.

7
additionally, it is also possible to think about adolescence from a social perspective by examining the role of adolescents in society.
such views generally define adolescence in terms of being in between - not yet an adult, but no longer a child.

8
in this context, the period usually lasts from the early teen years through one's highest level of education, when the individual is thought to enter the adult world.

9
adolescence may very well be filled with conflict, storm and stress but it is also a period of adjustment that most of us manage to survive quite well.
in fact, the picture of the troubled, rebellious, difficult, and uncooperative adolescent is probably more of a social stereotype than a reality