Psych Basics

Adolescence
Puberty, Teenagers

A time of both disorientation and discovery, adolescence describes the teenage years between 13 and 19. With increasing rates of early-onset puberty, the preteen or "tween" years (ages 9-12) may also qualify. No longer children but not yet adults, adolescents struggle with issues of independence and self-identity. There may be experimentation with drugs and alcohol or sexuality. Peer groups and external appearance tend to increase in importance.



Talking to Teens

Adolescence and the Myth of Independence

Adolescents achieve independence with triumph and regret.

A Roadmap to Adolescent Growth

Here's what to expect from your adolescent.

Kids: Open to Discussion

How you talk to them may be the key to their success.

Odd Parent Out

What do late teens think acting "grown up" means?

Adolescence and the case of odd parent out.

Parents with only other sex adolescents can face sexist consequences.

Teen Spirit: Give and Let Live

Altruistic teens live happier, healthier, and longer lives.

Is Your Teen Trustworthy? Can You Tell?

Can you really tell when your teen is lying?

Parents, Adolescents, and the Nature of Conflict

Conflict is how parents and adolescent need to get along.

Fathers, Daughters and the "Touch Taboo"

How fathers can maintain strong bonds with their physically maturing daughter.

See Also

Mental Health in High School

A Long Arm: Teen Depression

The consequences of depression during adolescence.

Skinny Sweepstakes

The perfect body is now part of the perfect resume, and colleges have become incubators of eating disorders.

Procrastination: How Adolescents Encourage Stress

By delaying work, adolescents put the pressure on themselves.

Teen Depression - Boys

Boys get the blues too.

Teen Depression - Girls

Get involved in the lives of your teenage girls.

See Also

Sex and Drugs

Heartbreak and Home Runs: The Power of First Experiences

How early life experiences shape our character.

Teaching High School Kids How To Drink

If you don't teach your kids to drink, who will?

Male Virginity Myths

Is your virginal teen son suffering in silence?

How Much Pot Is Too Much Pot?

When does substance use become substance abuse?

Survey Data Suggests Tweens and Teens Often Experience Abuse in Dating Relationships

Bullying 2.0: Tweens and teens in abusive dating relationships.

Adolescence and Addiction

Last stage adolescents may be at higher risk of addiction.

See Also

Adolescent Help
Find a nearby professional for face-to-face help

Child Development Blogs

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How to handle difficult people.