Until what age does adolescence last?
Adolescence is generally divided into three stages, with the upper age limit varying slightly based on different sources. Here’s a breakdown based on the provided context and general knowledge:
- Early Adolescence: Ages 10–14 (Grades 5–9).
- Middle Adolescence: Ages 15–17 (Grades 9–12).
- Late Adolescence/Early Adulthood: Ages 18–24 (Post-high school years).
The upper boundary of adolescence is often debated, but many contemporary studies and frameworks (e.g., The Lancet, 2018) extend adolescence up to 24 years old. This perspective recognizes ongoing biological, psychological, and social development during this period, such as brain maturation and the transition to full independence.
For further insights, you can refer to studies like McDonagh et al. (2018), which elaborate on adolescence lasting until the mid-20s.
