The National Institutes of Health characterizes adolescent development as the physical and mental changes that occur between the ages of 12 and 18. It involves the development of distinct sexual characteristics, comprehension of abstract concepts,...
Anxiety affects children of all ages, including teenagers. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) points out that anxiety is even expected at certain times of development. Teens may become anxious due to puberty...
Physical development and emotional development are closely connected. As a child's body grows and matures, her brain is constantly developing new connections based on the thousands of experiences that occur each day in her environment. Every event...
Emotional growth and development in children progresses from an infant's total self-involvement to an expanded view that includes consideration of other people's feelings and needs. Although tied to cognitive capability, emotional growth involves...
Adolescence marks a time of great change in a child's life; it bridges the gap between childhood and adulthood. Adolescents go through emotional and physical changes, and develop at their own pace based on genetics and environmental factors. The...
According to the National Campaign for Preventing Teen Pregnancy and the Guttmacher Institute, nearly 750,000 girls ages 15 to 19 become pregnant annually. Although this statistic is reportedly lower in recent years, it still indicates a high...
Approximately 20 percent of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood. Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. While the core symptoms of depression, including feelings of persistent sadness, loss...
The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes three stages of adolescence. These are early, middle and late adolescence, and each has its own developmental tasks. Teenagers move through these tasks at their own speed depending on their physical...
Children in the United States and around the world manifest a burgeoning problem with obesity. An estimated 16 to 33 percent of American children meet the definition of obesity according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry...
The brain is a complex organ that has five parts, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, pituitary gland and hypothalamus. These parts of the brain control a variety of functions, from memory to balance. The brain undergoes the majority...
Developmental milestones for emotional and social skills can help you decide if your child lacks maturity. Keep in mind that children develop at different rates, so immaturity isn't always a cause for concern. But if it interferes with daily life,...
While acne typically is a temporary cosmetic issue for most people, doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that acne can cause emotional trauma and permanent scarring. Adolescents are the most likely to develop acne that requires treatment, although...
American children spend an average of three to four hours every day watching television, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. To boot, Science Daily reports that male adolescents spend an additional hour per day...
Psychologist Thomas Achenbach developed a series of questionnaires that evaluate children’s behavioral and emotional functioning, social problems and competencies. The most commonly used questionnaire, the Child Behavior Check List, CBCL,...
Genetic factors, environmental influences and psychological factors and disease can affect both a child's cognitive development and physical growth. This is why parents, doctors and teachers should routinely assess children's patterns of...
Childhood and adolescence are the two stages of life that involve the largest gains in physical and psychosocial development. Childhood generally covers the first 10 years of life, while adolescence usually ranges from about 11 to 19 years of age....
