In all dictionaries, the definition of youth is reduced to one general concept. Youth is a certain age period when a person grows up, his transition from childhood to adulthood. What is inherent in this age period, we will understand in more detail.
Youth definition
Youth is a transition to an adult independent life. Psychologists distinguish the boundaries of early adolescence, that is, senior school age, from 15 to 18 years old, and late - from 18 to 23 years old. When the youthful period ends , the physical development of the body as a whole is already over. The psychological criteria of this stage are the development of self-awareness, self-determination in the profession, the transition to adulthood.
In the period of early youth, professional interests, the need for work, activity in society are established, plans for life are made. Childhood and youth in the development of personality are in the neighborhood, but the gradual transition from one stage to another makes adolescents more independent from adults, they are trying to assert themselves in society. In the team, in addition to general communication, at this age there is an increasing need for closer individual relationships and attachments.
Moral consciousness is also formed in youth, and certain life orientations, ideals, worldview, and civic qualities are developed. Complex, responsible tasks in adverse social and social conditions often lead to psychological conflicts with both parents and society as a whole. Deviations in behavior may occur in both boys and girls.
Early youth. Features
Upon transition to the time of early youth, the range of social roles available to a person expands, which are associated with a certain life activity. It is at this age that a number of significant social events take place, such as obtaining a passport, the possibility of marriage, responsibility for criminal acts, and suffrage.
In youth, it is already necessary to decide, decide on the choice of a profession, and build further plans for life. The close environment and society begins to harass, rush with the choice of a profession. So that the young man can not get confused in this difficult task, he needs help. Self-determination in this choice is the main neoplasm, the acquisition of a youthful personality.
The main feature of early youth is the construction of life plans. The young man is already starting to look in terms of the future. He makes plans, perspectives, but only having reached late adolescence, he will be able to begin to realize them.
Psychological features of late youth
Late youth, whose years fall in age from 18 years, the main task is self-determination and establishment in the profession. This is a multi-stage and multi-dimensional process. It is important at this time to highlight the tasks of society, to form an individual lifestyle, where the profession will be one of the main parts. Self-determination in a profession is a whole series of tasks set for a person by society. They need to be solved sequentially in a certain set period of time. Decisions must be made in stages, keeping a balance between personal inclinations and preferences, needs and requirements of society.
In the period of late youth, already stable formed psychological attitudes make it possible to make real decisions, be fully responsible for their activities and take responsibility for others.
Social motives, the main issues of youth
Youth is a period of life when a person has certain motives that characterize his activities. Young people are full of energy, bright hopes for the future, therefore they are guided by such factors as:
- Conviction of the need for continuous development, that is, continuing education.
- Self-determination in the profession is a necessary preparation for further independent life.
- Self-motivation is the desire to benefit society.
Youth is characterized by a mass of vital questions, the following can be attributed to the main ones:
- Choice of the future field of activity. Associated with abilities, priority knowledge already acquired in a particular area.
- Values in life, which are determined through public consciousness.
- Interpersonal relationships.
- Social activity, which manifests itself in participation in any events.
- Formed worldview on fundamental issues.
- The sphere of interests and life needs that lead to the expansion of material needs.
- Search for a place in society.
- Finding the answer to the question about the meaning of life, as well as the purpose of man.
Professional self-determination
Youth is a life stage when one has to deal with professional self-determination. Psychologists divide it into 4 stages:
- In childhood, already during the game, the child loses certain elements of a profession.
- In adolescence, children fantasize and see themselves in one way or another (profession).
- In youth, the preliminary choice of a profession is already beginning. Here is sorting, evaluating a particular type of activity, first from the point of view of interests, then the abilities of the student himself, in the end, relying on a system of values.
- The result - the choice of a profession, decision-making for specific actions (admission to a particular institution).
Advice for adults
The essence of youth is maximalism, therefore, it is necessary to take into account those factors that influenced the choice of a profession, objective and subjective conditions: social and material status, level of claims and information content, education of parents. It is worth noting that many adolescents strive to achieve a higher position than members of their family. An interesting fact is that for many applicants, parental education seems more important than their material well-being.
When choosing a profession, often young people are guided by the opinion of society, attracted to their elitism, prestige of the profession. But at the same time, they must take into account that the competition in this field of activity will be much higher. To achieve the goals here you will have to show all your strong personal qualities.
If the student does not have certain interests, then there may be difficulties with choosing a profession. It happens, and vice versa, choosing a specialty already in childhood, the future applicant does not want to listen to any alternatives anymore. What to do? Both cases require competent pedagogical correction, a wise approach on the part of parents. Throughout the study, it was necessary to expand the horizons of the child, introduce him to many specialties, talk about different types of activities. In the second case, the young man needs to explain the feasibility of the fallback option so that in the future he does not encounter disappointment.
Friendship and love
The road of youth necessarily passes through feelings such as friendship and love. Most often, girls aged 16-18 years fall in love, less often boys of 12-15 years old, a research survey showed.
There is love in youth in connection with several factors. This is puberty, and the desire to have a loved one to whom the most secret secrets could be revealed, and the need for emotional attachment, because the feeling of loneliness is especially acute in the youthful period.
In youthful interpersonal relationships, friendship and love are simply inseparable. One often develops into another. Girls and boys are active in seeking partners, intimate contacts. They simply are not able to be alone for a long time. Sometimes older students are so absorbed in such relationships that they forget about other aspects of life. In a tactful, trusting form, adults should help “come down from heaven,” point to other life values.