ABSTRACT
THERE ARE CLEARLY marked periods in the development of every human being. It has long been recognized, for example, that the transition from childhood to adulthood is marked by a distinct period of physical and mental development known as the "period of adolescence." Savage tribes perform elaborate ceremonies when they initiate their young people at the end of adolescence into full status as members of the adult community. The laws of civilized states have set definite ages at which individuals may exercise the rights, and enjoy the privileges, of independent adulthood.
