Social/Emotional

 

Experience mood swings often with peaks of intensity and unpredictability

Need to release energy, often resulting in sudden, apparently meaningless outbursts of activity

Seek to become increasingly independent, searching for adult identity and acceptance

Are increasingly concerned about peer acceptance

Tend to be self-conscious, lacking in self-esteem, and highly sensitive to personal criticism

Exhibit intense concern about physical growth and maturity as profound physical changes occur

Increasingly behave in ways associated with their sex as sex role identification strengthens

Are concerned with many major societal issues as personal value systems develop

Believe that personal problems, feelings, and experiences are unique to themselves