PERCEIVED COPING STRATEGIES OF SRI LANKANADOLESCENCE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

Adolescence - The word adolescence derives from the Latin verb “adolescence”, which means
“to grow up” or “to grow to maturity” (Lerner & Steinberg, 2009). Hence, adolescence is
conceptualized as a transitional period, with a variable and imprecise duration. It is believed to
begin in parallel with the onset of puberty/ fertility and ends with the acceptance of adult roles
and responsibilities. Of all life-stages, except childhood, adolescence is the one most marked
by rapid and potentially tumultuous transition (Williams, Holmbeck & Greenly, 2002).