Introduction to adolescent emotional development

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1044553131

[calm music]

[Narrator]

The ability to understand and manage emotions improves across adolescence. But puberty can create many emotional challenges. Some adolescents seem to slide seamlessly through this period. However, for many anxiety seems to grow and grow. We often see increased irritability and anger, especially towards parents and other family members.

Or times when they appear completely emotionless and hard to reach. (crickets chirping) Until something happens that they feel strongly about. (protestors shouting) Research has shown that a number of changes occur that explain the tiredness and the increase in emotions. There is enormous physical growth. The heart doubles in size. A change in sleep patterns.

[clock ticking, alarm beeping]

The resulting tiredness is worsened by lower levels of the feel good chemicals dopamine and serotonin, which can make adolescents feel low, unmotivated, and easily irritated. The brain begins to change itself, becoming more tailored and efficient. This begins with changes in the emotion centre of the brain. Emotions are experienced more intensely, compared with children and adults.

While parts of the brain that we need to help us manage those emotions are still developing and are not finished growing until the mid to late 20s. Adolescents often hold in or ignore emotions, leaving them more vulnerable to erupt when the emotional pressure becomes too much. Even a small amount of stress can quickly overwhelm adolescents.

The many physical and emotional changes can come with intense feelings of shame and embarrassment, which are so hard to express and instead burst out as anger or withdrawal. Their daily life is full of different emotions.

There is much uncertainty and anxiety, sadness and grief, frustration and anger. But there is also excitement about the things that they enjoy, like connecting with friends or anticipating new experiences.

While adolescents can think faster than before, critically evaluate everything, and master more complex issues, they are also still developing these skills. Mostly, they live in the moment and will rely on their emotional, rather than their rational brain to make decisions, especially when they’re with their peers. This makes them wonderfully spontaneous but also likely to get into some tricky situations at times.

[crowd cheering, skateboarder thuds] - Ow!

[Narrator]

The reward centre of their brain is larger and more sensitive during this time. They love things that are new, sweet or risky. Desire connection and praise, overvalue rewards, and minimize long-term outcomes or the consequences of their actions. (engines revving) Device use can tick all of those boxes, and adolescents can quickly feel energized and excited.

But they often keep using their device when they should stop and can react strongly when it is withdrawn. Many times they need food or connection to help them back to the real world.

There is a renewed push for independence and autonomy, as peers become more important and they work out who they are and what they want to be. Even though it may not seem so, being connected with parents remains incredibly important to help guide their needs and desires in safe ways.

When we understand the normal changes that happen during this time and the impact on emotion experience, it can help us not to take things so personally and shift us to have more compassion, patience, and kindness so we can be a guiding presence across this transition.

[calm music]

[End of transcript]

Updated 31 July 2025

Economic Growth Statement

Mini vic.gov.au

Introduction to adolescent emotional development

About the VIC Government

Grants and programs

Jobs and careers

Arts, culture and heritage

Business and the workplace

Communities

Education and training

Environment, water and energy

Finance and economy

Housing and property

Law and justice

Safety and emergencies

Science and technology

Sport and recreation

Traffic and transport

Working in the Victorian Government