Physical
Activity Developmental Chapters
ADOLESCENCE
 Adolescence
(ages 11 to 21), the transition between childhood and adulthood,
is one of the most dynamic periods of human development. Adolescence
is characterized by dramatic physical, cognitive, social, and
emotional changes. These changes, along with adolescents' growing
independence, search for identity, concern with appearance,
need for peer acceptance, and active lifestyle, can significantly
affect their physical activity behaviors.
Adolescents benefit
from participating in physical activity. Physical activity
can
-
Give adolescents
a feeling of accomplishment.
-
Reduce
the risk of certain diseases (e.g., coronary heart
disease, hypertension, colon cancer, diabetes mellitus),
if adolescents continue to be active during adulthood.
-
Promote
mental health.
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The period of adolescence
is divided into three stages. Early adolescence, ages 11 to
14, includes pubertal and cognitive changes. Middle adolescence,
ages 15 to 17, is a time of increased independence and experimentation.
During late adolescence, ages 18 to 21, adolescents make important
personal and vocational decisions. These stages provide a useful
context for understanding body-image issues and concerns of
adolescents, as well as a framework for providing adolescents
with the information they need to participate in physical activity.
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