Changes In Social Behavior
Changes in social behavior and attitudes are related more to sexual maturation than to chronological age. It is to be expected that when boys reach sexual maturity, they will break away from the old gang and begin to enter into activities with girls. They show more interest in personal appearance and in competiLive sports in which they can "look good."
In early adolescence social experimentation centers on organizing activities, selecting leaders, and creating on a small scale a society modeled after that of adults. Lounging around and talking occupy much time. In late adolescence three social worlds become impl!rtant: family, school, and friendship groups. For some, a fourth world may come into being: the work group. In attitudes, by the time the adolescent reaches college, there is a trend toward liberalism as the individual acquires more information and becomes less provincial in his thinking. For some students such broadening experiences may be emotionally disturbing as well as stimulating.
