How adolescent's personality changes over adolescence

What is it about?

We measured personality of boys and girls three times over adolescence, when they were 12, 14, and 16 years of age. We found that girls were more mature all through adolescence. From 12 to 14, young teens became more adventorous and sociable, and less fearful and persistent; in some ways less dependable. From 14 to 16 they developed their character to be more self-diected and cooperative, so as to be able to regulate their own temperament and achieve their goals.

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Why is it important?

It is important to understand that young teens as they turn to their peer group may appear to the adults in theiir lives as less dependable, as if "spoilt" by the onset of adolescence. However, in the second half of adolescence teens start to develop their character, and this will stand them in good stead as older teens and young adults.