ABSTRACT
A review of adolescent life stages will serve as an appropriate introduction to this chapter. It is not intended to be exhaustive, as the reader will find important material on adolescence in some of the references provided, and will be well advised to look further afield. Adolescence represents a distinct phase in the human life cycle, commencing at the height of pubescence, and ending with entry into adulthood. Adulthood is that point at which the young person assumes responsibility for self in relation to the outside world, in respect of physical, social, emotional, and economic needs. In modern times, the late-phase of adolescence has markedly lengthened with increasing dependence of young people on their families; delay in leaving home, due it would seem, to the rising costs of higher education, living, and housing. This phase of growth is accompanied by both temporary and enduring changes in psychology and personality of the adolescent.
