Final answer:
Adolescence is the stage of development where emotional and social turmoil occurs due to changes like hormones and altered body image. Research shows that most teen-parent conflicts are minor and brain activity related to risk-taking does not imply increased impulsiveness compared to other age groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescence: A Time of Rapid Development and Change:
The stage of development characterized by emotional and social turmoil due to rapid changes in development, hormones, altered body image, and interest in dating is adolescence. This period is marked by engaging in risky activities and becoming future-oriented. It is during adolescence that teenagers go through significant physical, emotional, and social transformations. Contrary to G. Stanley Hall's concept of adolescence being a period of storm and stress, research indicated that most conflicts between teens and their parents over issues such as homework and curfews are typically minor and decrease over time. Furthermore, research on the adolescent brain has shown that while there is a correlation between brain activity in the neural reward center and risk-taking behaviors, adolescents are not necessarily more impulsive than other age groups.
Focusing on the psychological and social changes, adolescence is a period of developing a stronger sense of personal identity, a time when the influence of peers is extremely significant, leading to a strong desire to conform to peer groups. This stage of development also includes the first forays into significant romantic relationships, which eventually become a priority by late adolescence.
The next stage after adolescence is emerging adulthood, which is generally not associated with the same level of turmoil as adolescence. This period spans from 18 years old to the mid-20s and is characterized by exploration of identity, with a focus on work and love.