ABSTRACT
Adolescence is a transitional stage of development, between childhood and adulthood. The physical changes of puberty are generally seen as the starting point of adolescence, whilst the end is less clearly delineated. Adolescence ends with attainment of ‘full maturity’, and a range of social and cultural influences – including the legal age of majority – may influence this. In developed societies these tend to delay progression to adulthood. The extension of compulsory schooling and development of further education, with its economic consequences, generally contributes to a delay in reaching full independence. This may in turn lead to difficulties adjusting to the responsibilities of the next stage of life (Parry-Jones 1995).
