Hillsborough County Extension
Adolescent Development
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11 year olds
Begins Search for New Self
Biological changes speed up - increased energy output and appetite; always in motion, restless, talkative.
Psychological changes are abrupt; suddenly change from easy-going ten-year-old to peaks of emotional intensity;
mood swings from day to day; but often unaware of the effects of these moods on others. Crude beginning of new
self-identity; challenges parents, argumentative, sometimes obnoxious, and sometimes angry and defensive at home.
Better behavior at school, club meetings and with peers than at home. Inquisitive and can work hard at a project o
f his/her own choosing. Interpersonal social skills at beginning stages - -boys more socially awkward than girls;
many ups and down in friendships; boys and girls secretly interested in each other but uncomfortable in showing it;
often boys and girls at this age don’t get along well with each other; much teasing. Require firm, but understanding
guidance from adults.
12 year olds
Begins To Find New Self
Twelve is a more integrated year than 11; more outgoing, reasonable and tolerant with a dash of humor,
but still with some challenging and questioning. Extreme enthusiasm again for tasks of own choosing; likes
debates and discussions, and sports. Sometimes show fatigue and moodiness; but quickly recover; appetite is
still enormous. More interested in boy-girl relationships and activities; girls still more sophisticated in
these relationships than boys. Physically, girls mature rapidly; both boys and girls show decided interest in
their sexuality.
13 year olds
Inner Directed
Preoccupied with self, worries about everything; appearance, school, etc. Stares in the mirror to see how
he/she really looks. Moody, sulks and pouts, sensitive, withdraws from family. Not willing to talk, secretive,
feelings easily hurt. Withdraw inward to cope with all the new changes in himself to sort himself out and develop
a new identify.
14 year olds
More Self-Accepting
More outgoing and positive, gets along better with family members, more interest in opposite sex and social
gatherings and peer groups become more important. Find security in peer group, pressure to conform just as
we adult conform to our peer groups. Girls are sexually young women, boys still awkward physically. Can grasp
abstract ideas. Becoming thinkers, introspective, question values and lifestyles.
15 year olds
Self Identity
Detached from family; prefers peers, new drive for independence and freedom. New search for self-identity.
Secretive, wants privacy, uncommunicative, resists rules and restriction, slams doors, etc. Argues. More
serious and complex. Perspective of personality traits of self and parents. May be depressed and confused.
Often a problem year in school, especially boys, may benefit in half day work experience program. Interested
in sex.
16 and 17 year olds
Semi-Adult
More self assured, doesn’t have to "prove" his independence. Accepts self as is; renews friendly ties with
family. More time spent socializing with friends, more emotionally and sexually involved. Job and making
money becomes important. Decisions about school, vocational training, jobs, careers.
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