Why is adolescence a critical period in human development?

The period between childhood and adulthood is a time of great transition and turbulence with regards to changing bodies, close relationships, and expectations. It is one of the most rapid phases of development due to all of the neurodevelopmental and hormonal changes happening within the body. Studies show that this period is marked by a higher response to stress due to a greater hormonal sensitivity of the HPA axis (Romeo, 2010). Adolescence must navigate puberty as well as learn how to find their own identity that is separate from their parents. During this time we develop our own values and life experiences in order to find out where we fit into the world.Marcia's (1996) identity status model depicts two key processes for finding one's identity: Exploration (investigating alternative identities) and Commitment (making choices that relate to different identities). From this she gave four different identities, where the ideal status is identity achievement [further explanation with whiteboard]:Identity DiffusionForeclosureIn MoratoriumIdentity Achievement