International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Peculiarities of Adolescence Development Stage

Dr (Mrs) Funmilola Bosede Alokan

Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract: – Adolescence period is a very important period in which an individual develops the ability to choose and determine self. This is the hallmark of maturity. It is believed that heredity interacts with environmental influences to determine individual’s development. It is also believed that this adolescence period is a turbulent time charged with conflict and mood swings. These views have implications for the social development and education of the adolescents. It is on this premise that this researcher takes a look at the early history of adolescence, the twentieth century contribution of Stanley Hall, who was labeled the father of the scientific study of adolescence; and Margaret Mead’s sociocultural view of adolescence. This paper also looks at the issue of stereotyping adolescents, the current status of adolescents, the nature of development and different theories of adolescent development. In conclusion, every adolescent needs a personal relationship with a caring adult to counsel him or her. The children and adolescents who successfully cope with stress consistently have someone in their lives whose actions say “you count, I love you and will care for you”. Parents traditionally should be the source of this long-term trusting and supportive relationship. However, as the society becomes more complex and demanding, more and more parents depend on school counsellors.

Keywords: Adolescence, adolescents, development, stress, societal standards.

I. INTRODUCTION

In early Greece, both Plato and Aristotle commented about the nature of the youth. Plato (fourth century B.C) described three facets of human development (which he called ‘soul’) – desire, spirit and reason. According to Plato, ‘reason’ which is the highest of the facets does not develop in childhood, but rather first appears at about the age period we call adolescence today. Plato argued that because reason does not mature in childhood, children’s education should focus on sports and music. He also emphasized that the onset of rational thought in adolescence requires a change in the educational curricular; sports and music should be replaced by science and mathematics.

Plato believed that character not intellect, should be developed in the early years of childhood. Even though Plato stressed the importance of early experience in the formation of character, he nevertheless pointed out that experiences in later years could modify character. Arguments about the importance of early experience in human development are still prevalent today.