Adolescence - JSS1 Home Economics Past Questions and Answers - page 1

Adolescence is the period in every persons life that lies between the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. It is a period of time a person matures and moves from childhood to adulthood.

An adolescent is defined as a young person male or female, who is developing into adulthood.

We have the:

i. Early adolescent with age range of 10-13 years.

ii. Late adolescent with age range of 13-20 years.

1. Restlessness: Body changes disturb the adolescents emotionally and makes them become worried and restless.

2. Tension due to development differences: The age pf reaching puberty among adolescents varies especially between males and females, some reach puberty early (about 11 years) while some reach very late (about 15 years).

3. Ideas considered as possibilities: Adolescent have opinions and believe that these opinions are the best and only their ideas work.

4. Search for sophistication: An adolescent wants and likes an ideal life. For instance a girl observes certain changes in herself which makes her think she is matured and therefore, requires some sophistication to enable her cope with the complex environment.

5. Search for independence from adults: All adolescents see themselves as adults and want their own freedom. Many parents do not see the adolescent as capable of handling their affairs by themselves. Hence, they refuse to grant independence.

6. Search for peer approval: A very strong need of adolescents especially those in school, either male or female, is the acceptance and approval of their behavior by the age group.

7. Search for correct social order: Observation of adolescents in the high school will reveal that those not properly guided prefer social activities to academic work.

Needs of adolescents

1. Freedom

2. Self-dependence

1. Support and direction from their parents, teachers and class mates.

Challenges of adolescents

1. Social behavior

2. Emotional conduct

3. Interaction with family and peers