Which term describes the transition from childhood to adulthood?

The transition from childhood to adulthood is referred to as adolescence. This developmental stage typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 19 and encompasses the physical, psychological, emotional, and social changes that individuals undergo as they move toward adult status.

During adolescence, individuals experience significant growth, including puberty, which is the biological aspect involving physical changes such as sexual maturity and growth spurts. However, puberty is just one part of the broader transition described by adolescence, which includes cognitive and emotional development.

In this context, adulthood is the stage that follows adolescence and is characterized by full psychological maturity and independence, while childhood refers to the earlier developmental stage prior to adolescence. Thus, the term adolescence most accurately captures the entire process of transitioning from being a child to becoming an adult, making it the correct choice.