Adolescence

Abstract

A wealth of studies has revealed cross‐cultural differences and similarities in the life stage of adolescence, defined by the World Health Organization as the second decade of life. Recent research has focused on brain growth and plasticity during adolescence, identity development, adolescents' relationships with families and peers, gender differences in development during adolescence, adolescents' engagement in school, work, and civic activities, psychological and physical health during adolescence, adolescents' wellbeing and positive development, adolescents' use of the media, and adolescents in difficult circumstances.