Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
Emotional and behavioural changes
Understand the emotional and behavioural changes that come with adolescence.
Adolescence is not only about the body. Feelings and behaviour change too.
Activity 6.2 asks: have your feelings or behaviour, or your friends', changed in the last year or two? It may feel exciting, confusing, or both.
Feelings are often stronger than in childhood. You might laugh at something that isn't funny, feel cross over something small, or feel like crying for no clear reason, then be happy again a little later. These mood swings are normal; they are partly caused by the body's changes.
Ideas from the book's table:
| Emotional change | What can help |
|---|---|
| mood swings, strong feelings | music, dance, sports, other activities you enjoy |
| feeling things more deeply (sensitivity) | exploring yourself; creative and inventive hobbies |
| caring more about others | kindness; helping in social work |
Strong feelings can lead to good things: many young people join efforts to help the needy, or find a deep new interest.
Notice how your feelings push your actions. Then you can stop, think, and choose how to respond. And you never have to sort out a difficult feeling alone: talk to a parent, a teacher, a school counsellor or a good friend.
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