Table.

Developmental Periods and Transitions, Key Developmental Contexta, and Developmental Tasks and Issues of Children Ages 10–15

Variable	Examples
Developmental periods and key transitions	Early adolescence – Beginnings of puberty – Transition to middle school Middle adolescence – Progression of puberty – Transition to high school
Key developmental contexts	Caregiver relationships Sibling relationships Peers and friends Intimate others Elementary, middle, and high schools Teachers, counselors, and athletic coaches Sports and physical activities Neighborhood influences and opportunities Greater contact with the larger environment including individuals outside the family and school Media (dramatic increase in involvement)
Developmental tasks and issues	Pubertal development Development of personal identity Development of ethnic and sexual identity More intimate (self-disclosing) peer relationships Beginning of dating and romantic relationships Early-onset sexual behavior, in some cases Increasing autonomy Greater self-reliance Greater self-regulation

SOURCE: Windle et al. 2008.