Early Adolescence Today: A Theoretical Approach to Particularities and Challenges

This paper aims to present the main features of early adolescence today (also known as preadolescence). The paper refers to this age period on three levels: the physical level and sexual maturation, the cognitive level, and the socio-emotional level. Thus, we propose a theoretical approach to the main characteristics of early adolescence, but also the analysis of a series of particularities and challenges specific to this stage of life. Despite the fact that childhood, preadolescence and adolescence are certainly difficult, most young people manage to get through these stages of development due to the relationships with family and friends, motivated by academic success or activities that help them build their personality and self-esteem.