CHARACTERISTICS
AND NEEDS IN ADOLESCENCE
The word ‘adolescence’ comes from the Latin word ‘adolecere’ which means
‘to grow’. Thus the essence of the word adolescence is growth and it is in this
sense that adolescence represents period of rapid growth and change in nearly
all aspects of child’s physical, mental, social and emotional life.
This period emerges from later childhood and merges with adulthood. The
period of adolescence is the spring time of life and a landmark in the process
of human growth and development. It was Stanley
Hall who first focused attention on the special significance of this period
and the major problems faced by the individual at this period of development.
This period has been described as a period of great stress and strain, storm
and strife. The period of adolescence extends from 11 to 18 years of life.
The
main characteristics of this period are:
1. Peak Period: During
adolescence, the physical growth and development reaches its peak. The human
body attains its final and development shape. The maximum limit with regard to
refines in size, weight and height is achieved. Bones and muscles increases to
the greatest possible extent leading to a great increase in motor activity. The
growth and functions of all outer and inner organs reaches its maximum and
almost all the glands become extremely active at this stage.
2. Spurt in Physical Growth:
Thus, adolescence is a period of marked physical growth. There is a spurt which
results in sudden increase in both height and weight. The chief characteristics
in case of boys are deepening of voice, the growth of beard, development of
reproductive organs with ability to produce semen. In case of girls there is
increase in the width of hips, there is development of breasts, growth of pubic
hair and starting of menstruation. There are marked changes in the curves of
the body and these overall changes enable the individuals of both the sexes to
take on the form and function of the adults of their respective sex. These
rapid changes are accompanied by increase in the adolescent’s motor power and
he wants to engage himself in various types of games, sports and other types of
physical activities.
3. Physical Coordination:
Physical coordination becomes adequate for highly skilled sports such as track.
Volleyball and tennis. Late mature may still be handicapped by poor
coordination. Controlled and graceful movement is possible for activities like
swimming and dancing.
4. Typical Daily Requirements:
Typical daily requirements are 3200 calories for boys and 2800 for girls.
Breakfasts are often skimpy because of haste. As much as ten hours of sleep may
be desirable. Dental care is one of the most common physical needs.
