Extended Adolescence: A Retarded Growth And Development

-

Extended adolescence refers to the period of transition from adolescence to adulthood, often characterized by delayed independence, exploration, and self-discovery, beyond the traditional age range of adolescence. According to the picture above, extended adolescence is a phenomenon characterized by retarded growth and development, whereby a person of 28 or 30 years is still living and behaving like 18 years old adolescent. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly prevalent, with many young people taking longer time to achieve traditional markers of adulthood, such as completing education, starting a successful career, and forming long-term relationships. 

During extended adolescence, young people may engage in exploration and experimentations, trying out different identities, careers, relationships, which can be a valuable opportunity for growth and development. For example, a young person may take a gap year to travel, volunteer, or pursue internships, which can help him/ her gain new experiences, skills, and perspectives. Extended adolescence can be influenced by various factors, such as:

1. Changes in education and career paths:

Many young people are pursuing higher education, internships, and career development opportunities, that can take longer time to complete.

2. Shifts in family and social structures:

Changes in family dynamics, increased mobility, and social media have altered the way people interact and form relationships.

3. Economic uncertainty:

Financial instability, rising costs of living, and changing job markets can make it challenging for young people to achieve financial independence. Examples of extended adolescence include:

1. A 25-year-old person who is still in graduate school, exploring different career paths, and living with parents.

2. A 28-year-old person who is working part-time, freelancing, or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, while figuring out his/ her long-term career goals.

3. A 30-year-old person who is traveling, volunteering, or taking a gap year to explore different interests and passions.

In conclusion, extended adolescence is an unpleasant phenomenon that reflects the changing nature of young adults. There is a big gap between the extended adolescents and their age mates. For reasons that we may not clearly understand, they still look and behave like youths, whereas they are supposed to be full-fledged adults. It is possible that many of them are not responsible for their lagging behind the ladder of progress: economic, social, environmental, and family dynamic factors may have caused it! Parents and caregivers can support young adults as they navigate this prolonged period of transition and exploration, and help them achieve their goals and aspirations. 

Please, kindly share this post with your friends and loved ones. Thank you very much.
 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Menace Of Parental Estrangement In The World

-
Image
Parental estrangement is a painful and complex issue that affects millions of families across all latitudes of the world, with disastrous implications for emotional distress, social isolation, loneliness, and long-lasting consequences for elderly parents, and their adult children. Wherever you go, you will see lonely elderly parents who lack food, clothes, shelter, and healthcare delivery services. Their adult sons and daughters are in the cities of their own countries, or have even migrated to other far away countries in quest of greener pastures to survive. Their hungry and helpless aged parents at the rural areas are depending on them for survival, whereas their children in the cities are earnestly struggling to succeed in the face of harsh economic conditions. Many of these adult children in the cities who have elderly parents at home are unemployed. Many of them receive very small wages at the end of the month. Their wages are unable to meet the financial needs of the nuclear fami...
Read more

Coping With A Resistant And Toxic Partner In The Family

-
Image
 Family dynamics are complex and challenging issues, especially when dealing with a resistant and toxic husband or wife. The emotional toll of living under the same roof with someone who is resistant to change and toxic in conducts and behaviours can be very painful and frustrating, affecting not only the involved spouse but also the children and other family members. A resistant and toxic partner can exhibit behaviours such as emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and blame-shifting. A resistant and toxic husband or wife is always right ( in his/ her own evaluation and reasoning), unwilling indeed to take responsibility of his/ her actions. Rather than coming down from his/ her high horse to apologize for his/ her fault, he/ she will begin to shift the blame to the partner or any other member of the family. He or she feels that he/ she cannot do anything wrong or faulty. This behaviour can be incredibly damaging, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem....
Read more

Oral Health And Dental Care For Children

-
Image
  Good oral health is essential for children's overall well-being. Yet, many children suffer from dental problems that can have long-lasting consequences on their quality life, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to prioritize oral health and dental care from an early age of a child. The causes of  bad teeth development in children include: 1. Poor diet: Consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks can lead to both decay and erosion.  2. Inadequate oral hygiene: Infrequent teeth brushing and flossing can lead to plague build-up and tooth decay.  3. Genetical factors: Some children may be more prone to dental problems than others due to genetical factors. 4. Lack of fluoride:  Insufficient fluoride exposure can lead to weak and porous teeth.    5. Trauma: Accidents and injuries can damage the teeth and lead to long-term dental challenges. The causes of bad teeth development in children include: 1. Pain and discomfort:  Toothaches ...
Read more