PHYSICAL CHANGES

I. A. PHYSICAL CHANGE

Rapid changes in body size and shape are the most obvious signs of approaching adolescence.

(PHYSICAL) Of or relating to the body + (CHANGE) to make shift from one to another (Merriam-webster online dictionary, 2012)

Why does puberty start?No one knows why

puberty begins precisely when it does, but it has to do with changes in the region of the brain called hypothalamus. (Rice and Dolgin, 2008)

BIOLOGICAL VIEWS ON ADOLESCENCEG. Stanley Hall: Sturm and Drang- Believed that “ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”-“Sturm und Drang” – Storm and Stress in German-Little could be done since they are genetically based

Arnold Gesell

-Genes determine the order of appearance of behavioral traits & development trends-Difficulties and deviations will be outgrown-Advice to parent: do not overreact to misbehaviour

ISSUES

EARLY AND LATE MATURATION

“Teens may be concerned because they are not physically developing at the

same rate as their peers”

EARLY MATURERS LATE MATURERS

GIRLSINSECURITY

TENDS TO GO WITH OLDER CROWD

May not have enough time to complete the necessary

developmental tasks.

EFFECTS ON EARLY MATURERSBOYS

CONSIDERED STRONGER AND BETTER

TENDS TO BE MORE POPULAR

HOLDS MORE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

BOYS AND GIRLS

MAY FEEL INCOMPETENT

LOW SELF-ESTEEM

EFFECTS ON LATE MATURERS

SELFESTEEM

FACTORS THAT AFFECT SELF ESTEEM- John W. Santrock

SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE

SCHOLASTIC COMPETENCE

BEHAVIORAL CONDUCT

ATHLETIC COMPETENCE

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

“Physical Growth and Physical Maturation are closely related to a developing adolescent’s self-appraisal in

relation to his peers”

“Many adolescent girls believe that physical appearance is a major part of

their self-esteem and their body is a major sense of self. While for boys, self-worth is

based on abilities, rather than looks”

Sexual Maturation

1. Development of sex characteristicso Preparationo Adolescent girls who are prepared for

menstruation in a positive way are more likely to consider it a positive experience. (Rice and Dolgin, 2008)

o Adults still believe that the magic age is 13o In 1999, 6. 7% white girls & 27.7% African-

american girls show some signs of puberty by age 7 –breast & pubic hair development

2. Athletes• Girls: Menstural irregularites

- 10% of girls who vigorously exercise may develop amenorrhea.-Female athlete triad:

a. disordered eating behaviourb. Amenorrheac. osteoporosis

• Boys: use of steroids- increase their strength and endurance-increase muscle mass & reduce body fat- Forms: pills, rubbed on in cream form, or injected through syringe

• Serious: risk the development of liver tumors, high blood pressure, weakening of tendons, heart attack, strokes and blood clots, severe acne, baldness, reduced sperm count, enlargement of prostate gland, increased breast size

3. Result: attention becomes focused on sex, new sexual sensations and on the people of the opposite gender

• Adolescents give much time and attention to:Boys Boys & Girls Girls

Grooming and clothes Thoughts and fantasies HairExperiment w/ make-up

Body building care Sexual behaviours (kissing, petting, masturbation, intercourse)

Sigh over romantic movies

4. Height• Genetics• Nutrition• Age when sexual maturation begins

Body Image

1. Physical attractiveness• Personality development• Social relationships• Social behaviour

2. IdealSex Ideal Actions/Effects

Female EctomorphSmooth and Radiant Skin

Plastic surgeryDrug intakeAnorexia NervosaBulimiaSkip mealsGym

Male Mesomorph

INFLUENCES

Family• Genetics• Lifestyle

-physical activities-nutrition

“Most researchers agree that the media is largely responsible for girls’ desire to be slender” – Levine & Harrison, 2004

SOCIETY

AND MEDIA

“Given the overwhelming prevalence of thin and lean female images and strong and lean male images, body image concerns have become widespread among adolescents.”

RECOMMENDATIONFor parents:Novella Ruffin., Extension Specialist, Virginia State University

1. Don’t criticize or compare the teens to others.2. Encourage teens to get enough sleep.3. Encourage and model healthy eating habits4. Encourage and model physical activity5. Provide honest answers to teens about sex6. Be understanding of their need of physical space7. Be patient with excessive grooming habits

ACCEPTANCE

• SET REALISTIC GOALS.

• BE SURE THAT YOU ARE DOING IT FOR YOURSELF, NOT FOR ANYTHING OR ANYONE ELSE

DO YOU WANT CHANGES?