Middle adolescence is one of the sub-stages through which we humans pass after childhood and before adulthood. It is a stage that is crucial for the development of complex psychological processes such as identity, and it is itself a period in which significant changes occur at the biological and social levels.

We will now see what the phases of adolescence are and how average adolescence is characterized.

What is adolescence?

Adolescence is one of the stages of the human life cycle. It is characterized by important psychological, biological and social changes , and is considered the stage that follows childhood and precedes adulthood, so it is one of the most extensive and crucial moments for any person.

Psychologist and International Consultant on Adolescent and Youth Programs and Policies, Dina Krauskopof (1999) tells us that adolescence is the period between 10 and 20 years of age. More than a process of transition, it is a stage that marks different aspects of human development, manifesting itself as important transformations at the psychosocial level and in sexual development.

Likewise, one of the processes that takes place in this period is the individuation , since it contributes to the personal and social definition, as well as to the exploration, the differentiation of the family environment, the search for belonging and the construction of a sense of life.

We will now follow the analyses carried out by the same researcher to describe the main characteristics of middle adolescence, as well as the differences with the other sub-stages of this period.

Phases of this stage of development

In an attempt to facilitate its understanding, adolescence has been divided into different sub-stages, among which are early adolescence, which is also the pubertal phase or puberty; middle adolescence and finally, late adolescence or the final phase of the adolescent period. Each one corresponds to the following ages :

  • Early adolescence, from 10 to 13 years old.
  • Middle adolescence, 14 to 16 years old.
  • Final phase, from 17 to 19 years old.

The first of these stages is characterized by a body differentiation with caregivers and peers, and therefore requires a readjustment of the body scheme and a major concern about it.

On the other hand, the second stage involves a social differentiation of the family group and the peers , which requires an important reaffirmation. This reaffirmation occurs at an individual level but in close connection with external recognition.

Finally, the third stage is based on project development, exploration of social alternatives, and the search for like-minded groups.

Middle adolescence: general characteristics

As mentioned above, middle adolescence is characterized by a concern for reconciling both personal and external recognition . While in the first stage the recognition is based on physical or corporal exploration, in the second stage there is a special psychological concern, which is manifested in the search for affective bonds and in the acceptance of the peer group.

Due to the above, the main reference group and even psychological security, ceases to be the family nucleus and begins to focus on friendly or affective ties with their peers .

This is a process that is fundamental for the development of autonomy, individual responsibility and identity, as well as in the development of complex cognitive processes such as symbolization, generalization and abstraction, which allow for the establishment of broader visions of the world.

Likewise, it constitutes the basis of a good part of the concerns during this stage, in fact, sentimental relationships usually start to consolidate during this stage , around shared experiences and interests.

Finally, intergenerational relations are a key element, as they allow the identification process to be strengthened by establishing complementary, or antagonistic, differences between themselves and the members of different groups .

Some psychosocial elements

We summarize below some of the specific elements surrounding middle adolescence, especially on a psychosocial scale. According to Krauskopof (1999), middle adolescence is mainly characterized by a concern for personal-social affirmation, which includes some elements that we will see below:

  • Differentiation of the family group.
  • Parental mourning for loss of a child of one’s choice.
  • Desire to assert sexual and social attractiveness .
  • Emergence of sexual impulses.
  • Exploration of personal skills.
  • Concern for the social and for new activities.
  • Questioning of previous positions.

Characteristics of neuronal, cognitive and psychological maturation

As we have said, adolescence is characterized by the manifestation of changes at the biological level as well as at the psychological and social levels. According to the World Health Organization (2010), some changes that take place during mid-adolescence, especially related to neurological, cognitive and psychological development are the following:

  • Growth of the prefrontal cortex , which is related to the influence on social problems and the development of problem-solving skills.
  • Cognitive skills such as the development of abstract thinking (although there is concrete thinking under stress); and a better understanding of the consequences of actions, along with a special concern for oneself.
  • Development of body image .
  • Development of impractical or implausible projects.
  • Important sense of empowerment.

Social factors associated with this phase of life

To all the above, we can add that, although adolescence can be considered a period through which we all pass, its specific development and its concrete characteristics can vary according to the cultural elements that surround it.

Thus, there are historical and social factors that can impact on whether adolescence is experienced in one way by some people, and in very different ways by others.

Such elements can be, for example, the social changes produced by globalization, where there is a demand for cultural exchange while socio-economic polarities are accentuated.

Another element is the modernization and rapid technological development that social relations are undergoing and the very construction of identity of adolescents ; a matter to which we can add the increase in life expectancy and, therefore, a possible prolongation of this stage of development.

Finally, due to the gap in knowledge and practices between generations, the aspirations of adolescence tend to be different from family expectations and even from the educational system, which in turn generates new needs for bonding.

Bibliographic references:

  • Stages of Adolescent Development (2010). World Health Organization. Retrieved August 28, 2018. Available at http://apps.who.int/adolescent/second-decade/section/section_2/level2_2.php
  • Krauskopof, D. (1999). Psychological development in adolescence: transformations in a time of change. Adolescence and Health, 1(2): Online version. Retrieved August 28, 2018. Available at http://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1409-41851999000200004