During which developmental stage do individuals typically experience puberty?

Puberty typically occurs during adolescence, which is the developmental stage characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social changes as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood. This period generally begins around ages 10 to 12 and continues into the late teens. During adolescence, individuals experience the onset of secondary sexual characteristics, growth spurts, and changes in body composition. These experiences are crucial for the development of identity and self-concept, creating a foundation for future emotional and social relationships. Understanding this stage is vital for school counselors as they provide support to adolescents navigating these transformative years.

In contrast, infancy represents the earliest stage of life, where development focuses on basic physical growth and sensory-motor skills. Middle childhood is characterized by further cognitive and social development but does not include the physical changes associated with puberty. Early adulthood emphasizes further development and independence beyond the changes associated with adolescence. Therefore, adolescence is definitively the stage where puberty occurs.