Final answer:
Adolescence is a socially constructed stage of development recognized globally, characterized by significant changes from 12 to 18 years of age, hence the correct answer to the question is A: Exists worldwide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of adolescence is a socially constructed period signifying the transition from childhood to adulthood. It has been recognized for centuries and exists worldwide, contrary to it being a product exclusively of the twentieth-century developed world or a notion that is disappearing today. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Exists worldwide.
The typical age range for adolescence is 12 to 18 years, and this stage is characterized by physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes. The transition includes the onset of puberty, where there is a spurt in growth and sexual maturation. Cognitive developments include a heightened ability for abstract thinking and understanding complex social structures, whereas psychosocial changes involve forming one's identity and independence, albeit while maintaining connections to family. This developmental phase has been acknowledged in various cultures and societies, underscoring its universal relevance.