Preadolescent: meaning, definitions and examples
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preadolescent
[ˌpriː.æd.əˈles.ənt ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adjective
age group
Preadolescent refers to a stage in human development just before adolescence, typically between the ages of 9 and 12. At this stage, children may experience significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes as they prepare to transition into adolescence.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Preadolescent children often face unique challenges at school.
- She began her preadolescent years with a strong interest in sports.
- The preadolescent phase is crucial for social development.
Interesting Facts
Developmental Psychology
- Preadolescents undergo significant emotional and social changes, as they start forming their own identities apart from family.
- This age range is when many kids experience their first real friendships which can be different from earlier playmate relationships.
- They often start exploring interests more deeply, from hobbies to early inclinations for sports or arts.
Education
- Preadolescents generally show a readiness for more complex learning and reasoning, which educators use to introduce more abstract concepts.
- This stage is critical for developing study habits that will be necessary in high school, where the workload increases significantly.
- Research shows that social skills developed during this stage can have lasting effects on relationships in later life.
Health
- Preadolescence is a key period for physical development, marked by the onset of puberty for some, which brings a variety of physical and emotional changes.
- Healthy eating patterns established during this stage are crucial for supporting the growth spurts that typically occur.
- Mental health awareness is increasingly important during this time, as preadolescents can experience anxiety about the changes they're undergoing.
Pop Culture
- Popular media often depict preadolescents as navigating challenges like friendships, school, and family life, resonating with their real-life experiences.
- Books and movies targeted at this age bracket often explore themes of belonging and self-discovery, making them relatable for young audiences.
- Characters in this stage, like those in series such as 'Stranger Things,' showcase the intricate dynamics of stepping into teenage life.
Sociology
- Preadolescence is often influenced by peer interactions, which can shape attitudes and behaviors significantly.
- The rise of digital media is affecting this age group, as they begin to engage with social platforms, impacting their social skills and self-esteem.
- Cultural perspectives on preadolescence vary, with different societies having unique expectations and rites of passage for entering teenage years.