1. Identity Development: This involves exploring and establishing a sense of self, including values, beliefs, interests, and goals. It includes figuring out who they are, what they stand for, and where they fit in the world. This often involves experimenting with different roles and identities, and grappling with questions of independence and autonomy from parents.
2. Social-Emotional Development: This encompasses building and maintaining healthy relationships, managing emotions, developing empathy and understanding others' perspectives. Teenagers navigate increasingly complex social situations, learn to negotiate peer pressure, handle conflict, and develop intimacy. This period often involves significant emotional fluctuations and a need for increasing emotional regulation skills.
3. Cognitive Development: This involves continued brain development, leading to improved abstract thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Teenagers develop the capacity for more complex thought processes, including hypothetical thinking and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. This stage supports their ability to plan for the future, engage in critical thinking, and make more informed decisions.