Adolescence is a time in our life span that is full of changes. Our bodies, hormones, intellectual abilities, emotional development, social competence, sexual awareness, and moral reasoning are in a state of change. While these internal changes are occurring we are also trying to form a sense of identity and our place in the larger "adult" world. Broadly speaking, the ages of adolescence are said to range from the age of 13 thru 24.
Due to the complexities of modern life many young people remain with their families well beyond what has traditionally been expected. Yet, adolescence is also a time when adults have less and less to do with teens. Some researchers report that that some young people are spending less than 20 minutes a day in quality conversations with adults. The challenge for young people is enromous. They must adjust to an increasing complicated world with insufficent adult enocuragement and guidance.
As expectations and pressure from their family, school, peer group, and the uncertainity of the future accumulates the young person feels that their resources are being stretched to the limit. It is often at this point that young people begin to protest against the expectations placed on them. For some they turn to their second family of peers and popular culture to get a sense of significance and belonging that they feel is denied them by the adult world. Some develop academic problems. And, still others develop emotional and social difficulties. That is to say, they become discouraged in the face of the tasks of life.