Adolescence Physical Domain

Differentiation: Adolescence and Early Adulthood n Ages associated with stages n How are these stages developmentally different?

Is adolescence a turbulent stage of development? n View of storm and stress - exaggerates actual experiences n Brooks-Gunn - “Hormones have been given too much credit” n Hormonal changes actually predate adolescence (7-8) n Outcomes are products of biological and social forces

Puberty n Biological events n Results in adult-sized body

Biological Change n Most intense since infancy n Biological changes –Rate of growth –Body size –Rapid organ development –Primary and secondary sex changes

Growth Trends n Predictable order: Distal-proximal n Extremities first (feet, hands, head) n Motor awkwardness –Uneven growth –Brain playing “catch up”

Female Development n Age 10 Breast bud development n Age 10 Height spurt begins n Age 11.7 Peak of height spurt n Age 12.8 Menarche ( ) n Age 13 Reach adult stature (10-16)

Male Development n Age 11.5 Testicular changes n Age 12 Enlargement of penis n Age 14 Peak of height spurt n Age 14 Voice changes n Age 15.5 Reach adult stature ( )

Male & Female Growth Patterns

Secular Trend n Generational change n Decline of age of menarche –decreases 3 to 4 months per decade n Factors: Genetics, nutrition, physical health n Secular gains have slowed in US, Canada, England, Sweden, Norway, and Japan

Psychological Impact of Puberty n Increased awareness of body n Early adolescence more concern with body image n 1/3 males and 1/2 females dissatisfied with physical appearance –Different concerns n Positive correlation - attractiveness and social acceptance

Menarche and Self-Image (Koff) n Large sample junior high females n Compared girls’ drawings of male and female figures n Post menarche - more sexual differentiation, female figure drawn first n Conclusion: Identity shifts with menarche - Greater awareness of own sexual identity and sex differences

Early and Late Development: Females n Early –Peers not as likely to share interests –Body image issues –Sexualized –teasing by peers –Self-esteem may decline n Late –Original studies show disadvantage – current studies show some positive correlates - higher levels of academic focus, less distraction

Early and Late Development Males n Early –Generally positive –Admiration of peers –Leadership roles n Late –Mixed effects –Tend to have lower self-esteem –Impact varies a great deal from person to person and culture to culture

Early and Late Maturation n Cultural ideal and body image n Fitting in with peers n Youth experiencing puberty at about the same time as their friends tend to view the experience more positively, particularly females. n Being very early or late is psychologically stressful, particularly for females.