Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Adolescent development refers to the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur during puberty as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood.
This term describes the biological process during which an individual's body undergoes physical changes such as growth spurts, sexual maturation, and hormonal fluctuations.
Peer influence: This term refers to how peers can impact an adolescent's attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes.
Identity formation: This process involves exploring various roles and possibilities in order to establish one's sense of self during adolescence.