Abstract:
This article discusses the specifics of mental development in early adolescence. Chronological limits of this
period is marked. The basic methodological approaches to understanding development in early adolescence
are represented. The basic problems of development at this age are formulated. Emphasis is placed on the role
of the social situation of development and the leading activity to the development of personality. From this
perspective, the specifics of social situation of development is described, the problem of the leading activity
in early adolescence is posed. The peculiarities of cognitive sphere, personal new formations in early youth
are analyzed. Specific types of personal development during early adolescence are given.