Adolescent Development

Harvard HGSE

Adolescence marks change on multiple levels (e.g., biologically, cognitively, and socially) and in multiple contexts (e.g., family, school, community, and peers). In fact, it marks the largest growth period in human development outside of infancy. Driven by enhanced thinking and reasoning capabilities, adolescents struggle with balancing their desires for autonomy and independence with their desires for guidance and connection. These dynamics result in renegotiating family and social…