11 - 20 Years of Age

11-14 Years | 15-17 Years | 18-20 Years

11-14 Years - Early Adolescence
Support your preteen with words of encouragement and understanding. Begin to discuss issues like drugs, alcohol and sex. Listen to your preteen and answer there questions as truthfully as possible.

Typical Behavior

*Has concrete thinking: here and now
*Understands immediate results of behavior but has no or limited sense of consequences
*Shows adolescent bravado, reckless behavior
*Losing role as child but doesn’t identify as an adult
*Values good behavior that results in exchange for rewards
*Tends to use denial (“It can’t happen to me “)
*Experiments with risk behaviors

Physical Changes

*Puberty, rapid growth, hormonal surges, volatile moods; accident prone
*Acne may be present at this time, there are many new options for
its treatment. Contact our office for an appointment.

15-17 Years - Middle Adolescence
Typical Behavior

*Early abstract thinking inductive/deductive reasoning
*Starts to connect separate events
*Understands concepts but not really of later consequences
*Resists parental supervision
*Often tests limits
*Learns from experience
*Strong need to please significant peers
*Highly vulnerable to peer pressure
*Will do whatever gives status with peers
*Risk-taking behaviors predominate
*Confused about self image
*Seeks group identity
*Very narcissistic, impulsive, impatient
*Values conformity: behavior that peer group values

Physical Changes

*Growth spurt finishes
*Physically awkward, lacks coordination,
*Has poor reaction time
*Aggressive behaviors (in males)

18-21 Years - Late Adolescence
Typical Behavior

*Abstract thinking: adult ability to understand risk and benefit, but limited experience
*Philosophical and idealistic about social issues
*Emancipation (leaves home)
*Requires little adult supervision
*Becomes legally responsible for action
*Gains experience rapidly

*Selects close friends, partners
*Increasingly able to reject peer pressure if not in self-interest (“enlightened self-interest”)

*Has a more positive self-image
*Begins to consider other’s needs
*Emerges as a leader or follower
*Seeks adult identity
*Values social responsibility: behavior more consistent with laws and duty