Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Adolescent Psychology?The History of Adolescent PsychologyWhat Is Typical Teen Behavior?Therapy With Adolescents

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

What Is Adolescent Psychology?

The History of Adolescent Psychology

What Is Typical Teen Behavior?

Therapy With Adolescents

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Adolescent psychology refers to the unique mental health needs of adolescents (defined as individuals between 10 and 19 years of age).

Many people have an idea of what traditionaltalk therapylooks like with adults, and they might have an idea of whatplay therapylooks like with young children. Adolescents are a distinct group, no longer children but not yet adults, and as such have unique needs.

Working in adolescent psychology means considering the specific needs of someone whose brain has developed past the childhood stage but has not fully matured into adulthood.

The concept of adolescence is relatively new, having only been recognized in the United States starting in the late nineteenth century.Previously, adolescents were essentially seen as “miniature adults.”

However, we currently understand thatdevelopment continues throughout the lifespan, meaning that teenagers are different from adults developmentally.

Specifically, decades of research have shown that adolescents undergo significant brain development, impacting their behavior and functioning during this phase.As a result, some key psychologists developed theories about adolescent development and the specific psychological needs of this age group.

Jean Piaget

Jean Piagetwas a child psychologist who studied child and adolescent psychological development and provided insight into adolescent psychology.

According to Piaget, adolescents transition from the “concrete operational stage” to the “formal operational stage.” In the concrete operational stage, children understand logical thinking and understand that their perspective is not necessarily the only perspective.

During the formal operational stage, understanding of abstract thoughts develops, and the individual can grasp symbolism and develop and test hypotheses about the world around them.

However, not everyone can reach this stage: Piaget determined that only about one-third of adults are fully in the formal operational stage.

Erik Erikson

Erik Eriksonalso studied lifespan development, though his work emphasized ongoing development through adolescence and adulthood occurring in eight phases. Each phase seeks a healthy balance (or “competence”) in handling specific tasks in each phase.

Adolescence overlaps with three of Erikson’s phases:

A common question for parents is, “How do I know what is typical teen behavior?” Although it is expected for adolescents to question their parents, push back on boundaries, and experience some “growing pains” as they develop their sense of self, it can be challenging for parents to identify what falls outside of that range of typical development.

Parents might struggle with balancing enforcing healthy boundaries and fostering a positive relationship with their teens.

There is no minimum threshold to seek some extra support.“Rebellious behavior"can be a sign that the teen is seeking help but does not necessarily have the communication skills to ask. The primary physician is an excellent resource for what behavior is developmentally appropriate as well as for referrals for an appropriate therapist.

If a parent wonders if therapy could be helpful, or if a teen has asked to see atherapist, it can be beneficial to at least seek aninitial consultation with a therapistto address these concerns. There is no minimum threshold to seek some extra support.

What Is the Storm and Stress View of Adolescence?

Because adolescent brains are different than adult brains, therapy with adolescents does not look the same as therapy with adults.

Things parents can keep in mind if their adolescent is in therapy include:

Adolescents have needs that differ from both younger children and adults. When determining their psychological needs and providing appropriate care, it is important to understand their unique phase of life and meet them where they are.

How to Find a Therapist

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sacks D.Age limits and adolescents.Paediatrics & Child Health. 2003;8(9):577.Grinder RE.The concept of adolescence in the genetic psychology of G. Stanley Hall.Child Development. 1969;40(2):355.Blakemore S-J.Imaging brain development: The adolescent brain.NeuroImage. 2012;61(2):397-406.Piaget J.Intellectual evolution from adolescence to adulthood.Human Development. 1972;15(1):1-12.Huitt W, Hummel J.Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University; 2003.Widick C, Parker CA, Knefelkamp L.Erik Erikson and psychosocial development.New Directions for Student Services. 1978;1978(4):1-17.Lamont-Mills A, Christensen S, Moses L.Confidentiality and informed consent in counselling and psychotherapy: a systematic review. Melbourne: PACFA. 2018.

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sacks D.Age limits and adolescents.Paediatrics & Child Health. 2003;8(9):577.Grinder RE.The concept of adolescence in the genetic psychology of G. Stanley Hall.Child Development. 1969;40(2):355.Blakemore S-J.Imaging brain development: The adolescent brain.NeuroImage. 2012;61(2):397-406.Piaget J.Intellectual evolution from adolescence to adulthood.Human Development. 1972;15(1):1-12.Huitt W, Hummel J.Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University; 2003.Widick C, Parker CA, Knefelkamp L.Erik Erikson and psychosocial development.New Directions for Student Services. 1978;1978(4):1-17.Lamont-Mills A, Christensen S, Moses L.Confidentiality and informed consent in counselling and psychotherapy: a systematic review. Melbourne: PACFA. 2018.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Sacks D.Age limits and adolescents.Paediatrics & Child Health. 2003;8(9):577.Grinder RE.The concept of adolescence in the genetic psychology of G. Stanley Hall.Child Development. 1969;40(2):355.Blakemore S-J.Imaging brain development: The adolescent brain.NeuroImage. 2012;61(2):397-406.Piaget J.Intellectual evolution from adolescence to adulthood.Human Development. 1972;15(1):1-12.Huitt W, Hummel J.Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University; 2003.Widick C, Parker CA, Knefelkamp L.Erik Erikson and psychosocial development.New Directions for Student Services. 1978;1978(4):1-17.Lamont-Mills A, Christensen S, Moses L.Confidentiality and informed consent in counselling and psychotherapy: a systematic review. Melbourne: PACFA. 2018.

Sacks D.Age limits and adolescents.Paediatrics & Child Health. 2003;8(9):577.

Grinder RE.The concept of adolescence in the genetic psychology of G. Stanley Hall.Child Development. 1969;40(2):355.

Blakemore S-J.Imaging brain development: The adolescent brain.NeuroImage. 2012;61(2):397-406.

Piaget J.Intellectual evolution from adolescence to adulthood.Human Development. 1972;15(1):1-12.

Huitt W, Hummel J.Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University; 2003.

Widick C, Parker CA, Knefelkamp L.Erik Erikson and psychosocial development.New Directions for Student Services. 1978;1978(4):1-17.

Lamont-Mills A, Christensen S, Moses L.Confidentiality and informed consent in counselling and psychotherapy: a systematic review. Melbourne: PACFA. 2018.

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