characteristics of adolescents

Adolescence is a period of growth experienced by each individual, as the transition from childhood to the period adult. This period has certain characteristics that distinguish the period other developments. Prominent features of this period is the individual growth and development very rapidly, both physically,emotional and social. Hurlock (1999) at this stage there are some changes that are universal, namely the increasing emotional, physical changes,changes to the interests and roles, changes in behavior patterns, values and ambivalent attitude towards any change. Here is described one by one of the characteristics of the changes that occur in adolescence.

A. Physical changes 

Physical changes associated with anotomi aspects and physiological aspects, in adolescence hipofesa gland becomes mature and release several hormones, such as hormones gonotrop that serves to accelerate maturity egg and sperm, and affect hormone production kortikortop affect gland function suprenalis, testosterone,estrogen, and suprenalis that affect children's growth so that acceleration of growth occurred (Monks et al, 1999). The impact of production The hormone Atwater, (1992) are:
1) increased muscle size andstronger.
2) emergence of signs secondary sex such as breast enlargement, voice changes, premature
The first, the growth of fine hairs around the pubic, armpit and
face.
3) produce sperm and testosterone estrogen produce egg cells as a sign of maturity. 

B. Emotional changes. 

The pattern of emotions in adolescence the same as the pattern of emotions during children. Emotional patterns that form of anger, fear, jealousy, curiosity, envy,joy, sadness and compassion. The difference lies in the stimulation evoke emotions and control in expressing emotion.
Adolescents generally have an unstable emotional state emotional experiences extreme and always feel under pressure (Hurlock, 1999). When the late adolescence could not help express his emotions an extreme and emotionally able to exactly match expression with the situation and environmental conditions and in a way that is acceptable society, in other words, adolescents who reach emotional maturity will provide a stable emotional reactions (Hurlock, 1999). Nuryoto (1992) mentions the characteristics of emotional maturity in adolescence is marked following manner:
1) not being childish.
2) be rational.
3) be objective
4) may accept the criticism of others as guidelines for further action.
5) is responsible for action taken.
6) able to face problems and challenges encountered.

C. The change of social 

Physical and emotional changes during adolescence also resulted in changes
and adolescent development, Monks, et al (1999) mentions two forms of development of teenagers that is, separating themselves from parents and toward towards peers. Teenagers try to break away from parental authority with the intent of self-discovery. More teenagers are out home and hanging out with their peers by forming express his group and all its potential. This condition make adolescents particularly vulnerable to the influence of friends in terms of interest, appearance attitudes and behavior. The most prominent changes are heterosexual relationships. Teenagers will show a radical change from not like the opposite sex become more like. Teens want to be accepted, cared for and loved by the opposite sex and his group.