ABSTRACT
Period of Adolescence The onset of adolescence may be marked by one’s chronological age (typically 12 or 13 years) or physical and social changes, such as pubertal development (typically between 11 and 13 years) or the transition from elementary school to secondary school (often after Grade 5). Markers of the end of adolescence are less well defi ned, and may include a school-to-work transition, the attainment of legal adult status (age 18), or specifi c characteristics, such as accepting responsibility for one’s actions (Cheah & Nelson, 2004; Tilton-Weaver, Vitunski, & Galambos, 2001). The existence of a period of emerging adulthood following adolescence is indicated in demographic trends, such as a longer period living with parents and a later age at completion of education, fi rst marriage, and parenthood (Beaujot, 2004).
