Child, Adolescent and Family Development

1. ‘Two of the fairest stars’

2. Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,

3. Having some business, do entreat her eyes

4. To twinkle in their spheres till they return.

5. The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,

6. As daylight doth a lamp, her eyes in heaven

7. Would through the airy region stream so bright,

8. That birds would sing, and think it were not night.

9. See how she leans her cheek upon her hand.

10. O that I were a glove upon that hand,

11. That I might touch that cheek.

12. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2 Lines 15–23

Introduction

Research into this period of the life-cycle continues to gather pace (e.g. Howard et al. 2010). As we have seen in Chapter 18 , the physical changes occurring early in this single phase of the life-cycle are quite dramatic, characterised by a sudden growth spurt, pimples, appearance of body hair and development of the reproductive organs. At the same time adolescents acquire a greater capacity for rational and abstract thought associated with risk-taking, limit testing and experimentation. For some individuals, youth, particularly early youth, represents a time of increased self-consciousness and egocentrism. Adolescents face major developmental landmarks, including achieving independence from parents, acquiring the rights to leave home and school, vote, have sex, drink alcohol and drive a car. At this time, many young people make significant decisions about their future careers. In contemporary Western countries such as Australia adolescents must also come to grips with other important issues that have implications for their future life. These include the uncertainty of employment opportunities and the extended time that must often be spent at school as a result, health issues, and broader questions regarding the future such as conservation of the environment and global warming.