e to discover it. Hence this is a period of exploration and self-discovery; of leaving home, perhaps for university or higher education, escaping from parental control, developing personal autonomy, not appreciating other people or their actions, trying out new possibilities for a career or worrying about facAdult evolution begins in the late teens and early twenties, the first crucial staging post which is often a selfish time for those involved. It forms the foundation stage when people set the basics for their future. In Britain, teenagers can do a lot at 16, like leaving school, which they could not do many years before and this is a major milestone, charting the beginning of their independence. At this crucial stage there is an emphasis on the self: especially on self-image, this being a most fashion-conscious time that takes a lot of money from the bank of Mom and Dad and puts it in the shops. One where designer labels matter much more than the labour required to get them! A stage where there is a real struggle between personal autonomy and dependence on parents, with much effort to define the self as an individual separate from anyone else.

There is a definite realignment from family of origin to new peers and groups. Lacking wider personal experience, this is the ‘gut reaction’ phase, characterised by automatic reflexes and a lack of focus. It is very difficult to settle on any one thing or partner at this time because life seems to be a huge treasure chest, with so much to discover, with an accompanying impatience to discover it. Hence this is a period of exploration and self-discovery; of leaving home, perhaps for university or higher education, escaping from parental control, developing personal autonomy, not appreciating other people or their actions, trying out new possibilities for a career or worrying about faci

ears before and this is a major milestone, charting the beginning of their independence. At this crucial stage there is an emphasis on the self: especially on self-image, this being a most fashion-conscious time that takes a lot of money from the bank of Mom and Dad and puts it in the shops. One where designer labels matter much more than the labour required to get them! A stage where there is a real struggle between personal autonomy and dependence on parents, with much effort to define the self as an individual separate from anyone else.

There is a definite realignment from family of origin to new peers and groups. Lacking wider personal experience, this is the ‘gut reaction’ phase, characterised by automatic reflexes and a lack of focus. It is very difficult to settle on any one thing or partner at this time because life seems to be a huge treasure chest, with so much to discover, with an accompanying impatience to discover it. Hence this is a period of exploration and self-discovery; of leaving home, perhaps for university or higher education, escaping from parental control, developing personal autonomy, not appreciating other people or their actions, trying out new possibilities for a career or worrying about fac

labels matter much more than the labour required to get them! A stage where there is a real struggle between personal autonomy and dependence on parents, with much effort to define the self as an individual separate from anyone else.

There is a definite realignment from family of origin to new peers and groups. Lacking wider personal experience, this is the ‘gut reaction’ phase, characterised by automatic reflexes and a lack of focus. It is very difficult to settle on any one thing or partner at this time because life seems to be a huge treasure chest, with so much to discover, with an accompanying impatience to discover it. Hence this is a period of exploration and self-discovery; of leaving home, perhaps for university or higher education, escaping from parental control, developing personal autonomy, not appreciating other people or their actions, trying out new possibilities for a career or worrying about fac

groups. Lacking wider personal experience, this is the ‘gut reaction’ phase, characterised by automatic reflexes and a lack of focus. It is very difficult to settle on any one thing or partner at this time because life seems to be a huge treasure chest, with so much to discover, with an accompanying impatience to discover it. Hence this is a period of exploration and self-discovery; of leaving home, perhaps for university or higher education, escaping from parental control, developing personal autonomy, not appreciating other people or their actions, trying out new possibilities for a career or worrying about face to discover it. Hence this is a period of exploration and self-discovery; of leaving home, perhaps for university or higher education, escaping from parental control, developing personal autonomy, not appreciating other people or their actions, trying out new possibilities for a career or worrying about facial zits and one’s personal appeal. The main focus now, as youngsters loosen themselves from their nest, is upon defining themselves as individuals and establishing a new life structure they regard as unique to them. The greater the individual confidence, the more stable and successful this time is likely to be.

Though this first stage is one of fearlessness and rebellion, it is also a period of tentative or provisional commitments, for swaying with the wind and changing principles at the drop of a hat, particularly for personal benefit. Hence the emphasis on money and tangible rewards. They dread anything too permanent. Developing their own sense of identity, as distinct from those of parents and childhood peer groups, now becomes critical. They tend to try out new relationships (e.g. romantic interests, professional associates, friends), being comfortable with themselves and pretty easy about life.

Bad Career Choices

Some youngsters at this stage are so laid-back as to be almost horizontal. They believe there is plenty of time ahead to change their minds on decisions concerning occupation, intimate liaisons, values, etc. There seems little need to hurry and they demonstrate it with reluctant action