Psychological Development in Adolescence and Adulthood

  Adolescence At this stage, the unused connections in the thinking and processing part of the child’s brain (grey matter) are utilized during this transition. The process usually begins in the back of the brain as the prefrontal cortex, is remodeled last. The prefrontal cortex is the decision-making part of the brain, responsible for the ability to plan and think about the consequences of actions, solve problems and control impulses. Changes in this part continue into early adulthood (Bessant 347). Piaget’s theory and Erickson’s psychosocial theories have grouped adolescence psychological development into 3 stages. Adulthood This stage is also grouped into three stages. First is the early adulthood which involves taking a firmer place in society usually by holding a job, contributing to the family and community.