Adolescence

definition of puberty

• Broad definition: The physical, psychological, and cultural changes that occur as the growing child transitions into adulthood.

• Narrow definition: The process by which an individual becomes capable of reproduction.

time periods of adolescent

• Adolescence is a unique developmental period– it keeps changing!– Everyone goes through changes at their own RATE

• Early adolescence – 11 to 13 years old– Continues to be pushed earlier (9-10…)

• Middle adolescence – 14 to 17 years old• Late adolescence (early adulthood) – 18 to 20

years old– Continues to be pushed later (21-24…)

physical changes…

Primary sex characteristics• The body organs and reproductive structures and functions

that differ between women and men. • Related directly to reproductive cells. • Gametes (Sperm and Eggs)

Secondary sex characteristics• Characteristics of the body that are caused by hormones,

(testosterone and estrogen) develop during puberty, and last through adult life.

• Changes in genitals/breasts/voice• Pubic/body/facial hair

changes… Rapid acceleration of physical growth

• Adolescent growth spurt• 3.5 (girls) to 4.0 (boys) inches/year• ½ adult weight gained during adolescence

Changes in body composition• Males waist lines shrink• Females hips widen, body fat increases• Emergence of sex differences in physical

performance

roles of hormones

Activational role (specific to puberty):– Structural “remodeling” of brain

– Increase in sexual motivation

– Development of secondary sex characteristics

impacts of puberty

• Sleep patterns– Delayed phase preference– 9 hours: 1 am to 10 am

• Family relations– Transformation of parent-child bond

• Social Changes– Peers may challenge your beliefs– Making new friends, being accepted into new peer

groups

impacts of puberty

• Self-esteem– Changing body image– Changing sense of self

• Moods– Increased stress + Increased sensitivity

• Fluctuation of moods– Due to hormones or environment?

moods

timing - individual factors

• Genetic factors– Timing and tempo

• Environmental factors– Nutrition– Body weight– Exposure to hormones/chemicals– Family conflict– Stepfathers

early maturation

• Boys– Early maturation positives

• Popularity, higher self-esteem– Early maturation negatives

• Deviant, risk behaviors; more rigidity later

• Girls– Early maturation positives

• Popularity (cultural dependence)– Early maturation negatives

• Lower self-esteem, eating disorders, emotions, deviant behaviors

late maturation

• Boys– Late maturation positives

• Higher levels of creativity, inventiveness– Late maturation negatives

• Low self-esteem, low social competence

• Girls– Late maturation positives

• Thinner build– Late maturation negatives

• Social withdrawal

Gender Identity

• What are some of the grounds of identity?

• Gender• Ethnicity/culture• Age group • Vocation• Political ideology• Religious/moral values

• What is gender identity?– Function of gender roles

• Adolescence – adulthood– Gender intensification

• Social/cultural pressures• Peer pressures• Parental pressures• Biological pressures

Ethnic Identity

• What is ethnic identity?– Identification

• Physical/psychological characteristics• Cultural practices/beliefs

Other types of Identity• Vocational identity

– Aspect of identity associated with career.• Being a lawyer • Being a janitor

• Religious identity– Aspect of identity associated with religious belief system.

• Being a Christian or Buddhist• Being an atheist

• Age identity– Aspects of identity associated with age group.

• Being a teenager• Being an elderly person

Identity and stereotypes• Identities commonly incorporate/activate

stereotypes– Common characteristics associated with

• Being female• Being Native American• Being a plumber• Being overweight

• Some characteristics positive, others negative.