Developmental Tasks and Challenges of Middle and Late Adolescence

Developmental Tasks

Processes inherent in every stage of development that need to be accomplished successfully in preparation for other developmental tasks in the next stage of development.

Task 1: Adjust to Sexually Maturing Bodies and Feelings

Adjusting to a sexually maturing body, managing biological changes and sexual feelings, engaging in healthy sexual behavior, establishing a sexual identity, and developing skills for romantic relationships.

Task 2: Develop and Apply Abstract Thinking Skills

Understanding and coordinating abstract ideas, thinking about possibilities, trying out hypotheses, thinking ahead, understanding thought processes, and constructing philosophies.

Task 3: Develop and Apply a More Complex Level of Perspective Thinking

Developing a more complex level of perspective thinking.

Task 4: Develop and Apply New Coping Skills

Planning for the future, using more sophisticated decision

Task 5: Identify Meaningful Moral Standards, Values, and Belief Systems

Developing a more complex understanding of morality, justice, and compassion that leads to the formation of belief systems to guide decisions and behaviors.

Task 6: Understand and Express More Complex Emotional Experiences

Developing the ability to identify and communicate more complex emotions.

Task 7: Form Friendships That Are Mutually Close and Supportive

Forming friendships that are mutually close and supportive.

Task 8: Establish a Key Aspect of Identity

Developing an identity that reflects individuality and connection to valued people and groups, including a positive identity around gender, physical attributes, sexuality, and ethnicity.

Task 9: Meet the Demands of Increasingly Mature Roles and Responsibilities

Meeting the demands of increasingly mature roles and responsibilities.

Task 10: Renegotiate Relationships with Adults in Parenting Roles

Working together with adults to negotiate a relationship that balances autonomy and ongoing connection.

Appearance

Major body changes due to hormones, such as acne, cracked voices, and changing body appearance, which may result in low self

Attitude

Exploring independence through behaviors such as awkward manners, bluntness, avoidance of parents, and skipping family gatherings, which may be interpreted as rebellious or defiant.

Friends

Friendships become important during adolescence and are necessary for development, although parents may worry about negative influences.

2 Corinthians 4:17

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."