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Difference Between Adolescence and Puberty

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What is Adolescence and Puberty?

Adolescence and puberty are closely related but not the same. Puberty is a physical process when a child’s body matures into an adult, leading to changes like height growth, voice changes, and hormone production. Adolescence is the broader phase of life (ages 10-19) when a child experiences emotional, mental, and social changes along with physical growth. Puberty is a part of adolescence, but adolescence includes much more than just physical changes. To understand these let's explore the key differences between adolescence and puberty.


Difference Between Adolescence and Puberty

Basis of Difference

Adolescence

Puberty

Meaning

A developmental stage that includes physical, emotional, and social changes

The biological process of physical maturity

Age Range

10-19 years (varies)

Starts between 8-14 years (varies)

Changes

Emotional, psychological, and social changes along with physical growth

Physical changes like facial hair, voice deepening, and menstruation

Hormonal Role

Affects emotions, behaviour, and identity formation

Focuses mainly on reproductive organ development

Duration

Lasts for several years

Happens in a shorter period within adolescence


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FAQs on Difference Between Adolescence and Puberty

1. What is the difference between adolescence and puberty?

Puberty is only about physical changes, while adolescence includes mental, emotional, and social development along with physical changes.

2. Is adolescence also known as puberty?

No, adolescence is a larger phase that includes puberty, but puberty is only the physical development part of it.

3. What age is adolescence and puberty?

Adolescence usually happens between 10-19 years, while puberty can start between 8-14 years, depending on the individual.

4. What comes first, adolescence or puberty?

Puberty comes first. It marks the beginning of adolescence, but adolescence continues even after puberty ends.

5. What is adolescence and puberty in Class 8?

In Class 8 science, adolescence is the phase of transition from childhood to adulthood, while puberty refers to the physical changes that prepare the body for reproduction.

6. What are the five characteristics of adolescence?

  1. Rapid physical growth

  2. Emotional changes and mood swings

  3. Development of reasoning and thinking skills

  4. Interest in social relationships

  5. Increased independence

7. Which age is called puberty?

Puberty generally starts between 8-14 years and lasts for a few years.

8. Is 21 still a teenager?

No, 21 is an adult age. Teenagers are those between 13-19 years.

9. What happens when a girl turns 13?

At 13, many girls are in puberty. They may experience breast development, menstruation, height growth, and emotional changes.

10. What are 10 signs of puberty?

  1. Growth spurts

  2. Body hair development

  3. Voice changes

  4. Oilier skin and acne

  5. Emotional mood swings

  6. Sweat glands becoming more active

  7. Menstruation in girls

  8. Muscle growth in boys

  9. Development of sexual organs

  10. Increased body odour