The Development Of Adolescence

Adolescence is a stage of human physical and psychological development. In Erick Erikson 's model of human development, adolescence is the stage between 12 and 18 years (Kennon). The identification of adolescence is credited to Psychologist G. Stanley Hall who coined the term in 1904 (Lewis). Social and economic changes at the turn of the 20th century were significant to the creation of the adolescent stage and defined the age range it covered. Until recently, adolescence was thought to directly precede adulthood. But lately a new stage has been theorized. Extended Adolescence is when the characteristics that describe adolescence extend beyond the “normal” time of transition to adulthood. The stage of adolescence is an important stage of

As Arnett describes it, Emerging Adolescence is an “age of identity exploration,” “instability,” “self-focus,” feeling in between,” and “possibilities.” Traditionally one is considered an adult when five key milestones have been reached: leaving home, becoming financially independent, completing school, marrying, and starting a family (Henig and Kennon). These criteria are flexible, though. Not everyone wants to have children and some can’t, gay marriage is not yet legal universally so not all couples can get married, some people continue school in some capacity their whole lives and others move back with a parent for the parents’ support. If, in fact, extended adolescence is becoming a new stage of development, emerging adulthood, then what does this mean and how did this stage come

Twenty-somethings have not prepared themselves to take on adult responsibility and parents don’t necessarily want them to. “It can be hard sometimes to tease out to what extent a child doesn’t quite want to grow up and to what extent a parent doesn’t quite want to let go” (Henig). Psychologist Jennifer Lynn Tanner says that the psychological development in emerging adulthood can lead to better decision in later life because they have more time to think about the future and explore their options (Henig). Adolescence is extending most commonly in the United States and other developed nations among young adult children of privilege parents because financial support is needed. Arnett argues that it is not just the privileged that experience Emerging Adulthood that it is universal. Emerging Adulthood happens to people from underprivileged backgrounds as well, it is an opportunity for a new start in life (Henig). Inversely, in third world countries children have to grow up fast so they barely experience adolescence and do not commonly experience Emerging Adulthood (Henig). An example of a form of extended adolescence is “a 30-year old who has part of their rent and bills covered by parents, endlessly enrolls in colleges or universities seeking additional degrees or credentials, single, without children”