ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews briefly some aspects of physiological, intellectual, and socio emotional growth. It describes the most important features of growth in terms of role and status as they are related to heterosexuality, independence in vocational and other important decisions, and the development of a mature sense of responsibility in relation to freedom. In our society one of the major crises in growing up occurs with the coming of puberty and throughout the period of adolescence—popularly known as the “teen age.” It is during adolescence that the intellectual potentialities of most individuals reach their maximum growth. The four most important aspects of personal growth in late adolescence concern: emancipation from home and arrival at freedom and independence of choice, arrival at heterosexuality, development of a consequent sense of responsibility for one’s acts, and the emergence of mature self-control. Adolescence is marked by certain striking changes. Particularly obvious are associated with sexual maturation and with the attainment of adult physique.
