MODULE 24

The period of adolescence begins with biological changes of puberty and ends with the role and work of adult life.

Early adolescence

Middle adolescence

Late adolescence

Adolescence is a period of transition in terms of physical, cognitive and socio-emotion changes, physical transition being particularly coupled with sexual transformation,

In all cultures, biological changes comprises the major transition from childhood to early to early adolescence. This is manifested by a change in physical appearance, a more rapid rate of development(next to the speed of growth of the fetus in the uterus) known as growth spurt. The phenomenon commonly result in the feeling of awkwardness and unfamiliarity with bodily changes.

In addition, alterations in sleeping habits and parent-adolescent relationship may be experienced accompanying puberty changes.

The growth hormone conditions gradual increases in body size, and weight, but hormones flooding occurs during adolescence causing an acceleration known as the growth spurt.

Body changes include change in body dimensions(leg length, shoulder width, trunk growth rather than leg growth.

In girls, the growth spurt generally begins at age 10 reaching its peak at age 11 and-a-half, and decreasing at age 13, while slow continual growth occurs for several more years.

At age 16 and girls reach 98% of their adult height,

HORMONES- are recognize to be powerful and highly specialized chemical substances that interact with body cell. The triggering by the hormones of the hypothalamus glands on hormones of the pituitary glands signal the entire process of sexual maturation. During the process, GONADOTROPIC HORMONES are secreted by the anterior pituitary, which lies beneath the base of the brain and are situated approximately at the geometric center of the human head.

GONADS are the ovaries in the female and the testis in the male, are then stimulated by the gonatrotopic hormones, in turn stimulating their own hormones. When the male testis is stimulated by the gonadotropic hormones, testosterone is secreted, while estrogen is secreted when the female is stimulated.

Secondary male sex characteristics are stimulated by testosterone, comprised by the growth of the testis and scrotum ( recognized to be the first sign of puberty), penis and first pubic hair ; the capacity for ejaculation, the growth spurt, voice change, facial hair development/ beard growth, and continuing growth of pubic hair. The acceleration of the growth precedes the first the first appearance of facial hair growth. Occurring late in puberty, the lowering of the voice, cause by the enlargement of the larynx and double lengthening of the vocal cords, is viewed to be the most obvious aspect of adolescent development.

Secondary male sex characteristics are stimulated by testosterone, comprised by the growth of the testis and scrotum ( recognized to be the first sign of puberty), penis and first pubic hair ; the capacity for ejaculation, the growth spurt, voice change, facial hair development/ beard growth, and continuing growth of pubic hair. The acceleration of the growth precedes the first the first appearance of facial hair growth. Occurring late in puberty, the lowering of the voice, cause by the enlargement of the larynx and double lengthening of the vocal cords, is viewed to be the most obvious aspect of adolescent development.

In contrast with menarche, sperm ache signalsthe first sign of puberty and sexual maturity in boys. At about age 12 or 13, boys experience the enlargement of the testis and the manufacture of sperm in the scrotum, most likely experiencing the first ejaculation of semen- a sticky fluid produced by the prostate gland. The need to discharge semen occurs more or less periodically following pressure caused by the production of seminal fluid by the prostate gland. Nocturnal emissions or “wet dream” occur during sleep often caused by sexual dreams.

The striking tendency for children to become larger at all ages has been perceived during the past 100 years. Known as the SECULAR TREND, the phenomenon reflects a more rapid maturation compared with that occurring in previous millennia. In 1880, for ex. The average age at which girls and their first menstrual period in well nourished industrial societies was 15 and 17 years. This is not true, however, in depressed societies wherein this period is a bit later at about 15.5.

One hundred years ago, boys reached their adult height at ages 23 and 25 and girls at ages 19 and 20. today, maximum height is reached between 18 and 20 years for boys and 13 and 14 for girls.

Teenagers are not getting enough sleep, and would want more sleep. Actually, lack of sleep is likely caused by changes in adolescent behavioral patterns. Teens often stay up late because they enjoy it, especially with the advent of internet music listening, video watching . About 90% of teenager high school student report going to bed later than midnight. Socializing with peers add to the problem, causing difficulties in waking up early and causing teenager to struggle to stay alert and function productively.

Adolescents become aware of changes in sexuality, thus undergoing a period of exploration and adjustment. Learners from sectarian (religious and gender exclusive ) schools are more likely to consider sexual opened to be dangerous, if not sinful. The case is not perceived among non-sectarian or gender mixed schools, although more dangers exist relating to heterosexual relationship and early pregnancy among students in non-exclusive schools.

Early or late maturation deserves due consideration, as this can be a factor for adolescent acceptance and comfort or satisfaction with his/her body image. Among girls, physical changes are more dramatic, but perceptions of not being well developed as compared with their peers can be a cause for timidity or shyness, if not frustration.

In the of late maturing boys, the slack in growth in the body build, strength, motor performance and coordination may inhibit their performance in curricular and extra-curricular activities, such as sports. Being physically weaker, shorter and slimmer would make them less apt to be outstanding in leadership activities and in sports. On top of these, late maturing teens are seen by their peers as being more childish, more inhibited, less independent, less self-assuring, and less worthy of leadership roles.

Most adolescence desire an “ideal body”, which is the same as being attractive or handsome in face (features of the eyes, nose, lips, hair, etc.) and in body (tall and muscular for boys and tall and slender for girls).

In the developed countries like U.S. about 10% of adolescents have been known to take anabolic steroids in tablet or in injectable form for cosmetic and athletic performance purposes. It is important to forewarn adolescents about the severe harmful effects of long term use of steroids: liver dysfunction, cancer and damage to the productive system.

Short term effect are hair loss, severe acne, high blood pressure, shrunken testicles and low sperm production. Girl users develop irreversible masculine characteristics, such as growth of facial hair. Steroids may also foster aggressive and destructive behavior. Finally, giving up the drug may lead to depression and suicide.

Necessary for adolescent years are sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 (found in animal proteins), calcium, zinc, iron, riboflavin and vitamin D. Magic diet schemes suggested by advertising and magazines to lose weight, give a radiant hair, whiten the skin, etc. should be met with caution.

The vegetarian fad can also be disastrous especially to adolescents who need vitamin, minerals and protein which vegetable diets cannot provide. Vegetable intake is good, but this should be balanced with food intake to form high-quality nutrition including eating protein sources such as milk, dairy products and eggs.

It is a recognized fact that teens are the poorest eaters among age group, as they often skip meals, frequently take snack foods (hamburger, fries, pizza ,soft drinks, etc.) at fast-food eateries.

It’s important that adolescent feel confident about their body image. The physical features of the human body (facial looks, body size, color of skin, etc.) depend on genetic heritage witch must generally be respected. However with advancement in hair and skin technology, change in hair color and skin are no longer impossible.

There is more to body image than physical looks and these concern good habits in relation to:

Cleanliness and grooming

Proper wearing of clothes following current styles

Erect bodily posture

Eye contact while communicating

Decorum (good form and confidence) and decency