11-18 year olds this is the stage of life when boys and girls hit puberty and changes occur in their body in preparation for adult life. These changes are both physical and emotional. Adolescents experience the developement of reproductive organs which inturn produces a change in the adolescents hormone levels. This often effects emotions and can lead to increase stress levels. During this stage in life it is important that adolescents have a good nutritional intake which aids good physical health and emotional wellbeing. Adolescents at this stage experience growth of their body and changes and maturity in their thinking processes. Taking part in regular physical activity and exercise not only promotes energy levels, general fitness but also has a positive effect on emotional wellbeing. It is also healthy to socialise with friends and family creating a sense of belonging and individual identity. It is important during this stage in life that you choose effective lifestyle chooses eg. physical exercise, healthy eating, good sleep patterns, effective personal hygiene and appropriate clothing etc It is also important to understand the effects of choosing poor lifestyle choices, eg drug and substance misuse, exessive alcohol intake, neglect of self or others, misusing their physical body.
intelectual needs
Intellectual needs are all the needs an adolescent needs to keep their brain working effectively. Intellectual needs change as we grow and develope. They too develope. As human beings we are always on a journey of learning and developement and therefore we require our intellect to aid us and help us achieve. As adolescents we require our intellect to a great deal as this is generally the stage in life when education, mental activity and stimulation is at its greatest. However we require intellect for all mental activity throughout our lives.
Social and emotional
Emotional needs are experienced when we are made feel happy for a particular reason eg affection, good relationships, fulfillment, love and feeling respected. We all like to be liked and loved. Emotional needs change as we grow and develope. We experience many different emotions in direct response to different situations in our lives..eg happiness and excitement, or saddness and worry. It is important in adolescence to have the ability to cope with many different situations that life may throw at us and respond emotionally as necessary to each different situation. This something we are all continually learning on a day to day basis. Often we need support and comfort from others to help us with an emotional response.
Social needs are important to an adolescent. These are the aspects of our life that enable us to develop and enjoy good relationships and freindships with others. We may seek the company of friends relatives and family and attend social functions or activities. Some may choose to observe social activity rather than to participate . However it is important that we all have choice and have a feeling of belonging, identity and social inclusion.