What is the term for the process of becoming an adult?

The term that refers specifically to the process of becoming an adult is adolescence. This stage of development typically occurs during the teenage years and is characterized by significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that transition an individual from childhood to adulthood. During adolescence, individuals develop their identity, experience increased independence, and undergo various social and psychological transformations that prepare them for adult roles. Understanding this term is crucial in the context of mental health, as adolescence is a critical period for developing coping mechanisms and navigating developmental challenges.

The other terms, while related to growth and development, do not specifically define the process of becoming an adult. Maturity refers more broadly to the state of being fully developed or advanced. Development generally encompasses the entire lifespan, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, but does not pinpoint the transition phase itself. Transition implies a change or shift from one state to another but lacks the specific connotation of the developmental journey that adolescence conveys.