Problem 8
Puberty and adolescence
Definitions
Adolescence- transitional stage of physical/psychological development from a child
to a legal adult
Puberty- period that marks the start of adolescence in which youngsters attain an
adult body type, reach sexual maturity and become capable of producing offspring
Adolescents usually prefer peers who match their biological maturity
Early matured adolescents seek the company of older adolescents and are more
likely to engage in risky behaviour that doesn’t match their actual age
Precocious puberty (early) – Boys – 9, girls- 8
- Girls- withdrawn, self-conscious, less positive body image, anxious, depressed,
lower academic achievement and leadership, poorer relationships with peers and
family, small social networks, more alcohol consumption. More likely to get
bullied which leads to more risky behaviour, less happy, less popular, low self
satisfatction, poor quality relationships, emotional and social difficulties, marry
earlier, drop out of school
- Boys- relaxed, independent, self-confident, physically attractive (according to
social ideals, happier, taken more seriously, popular, deviant behaviour
Late puberty
- Girls- lively, attractive, sociable, confident, leadership, more dependent on
parents
- Boys- more anxiety and depression, less positive body image, immature,
attention seeking, worse education
Adolescence
Growth spurt- period of rapid height/weight acceleration in which boys lag behind 2-
3 years
- Boys- 13 years, peak at 14/5 years – more intense and longer
- Girls- 10.5 years, peak at 12 years – preparing body size for carrying a baby
Girls:
- Breasts begin to bud
- Height spurt begins
- Pubic hair begins
- Peak strength spurt
- Peak height spurt
- Menarche (menstruation)- 12.5 yrs
- Peak weight spurt
Puberty and adolescence
Definitions
Adolescence- transitional stage of physical/psychological development from a child
to a legal adult
Puberty- period that marks the start of adolescence in which youngsters attain an
adult body type, reach sexual maturity and become capable of producing offspring
Adolescents usually prefer peers who match their biological maturity
Early matured adolescents seek the company of older adolescents and are more
likely to engage in risky behaviour that doesn’t match their actual age
Precocious puberty (early) – Boys – 9, girls- 8
- Girls- withdrawn, self-conscious, less positive body image, anxious, depressed,
lower academic achievement and leadership, poorer relationships with peers and
family, small social networks, more alcohol consumption. More likely to get
bullied which leads to more risky behaviour, less happy, less popular, low self
satisfatction, poor quality relationships, emotional and social difficulties, marry
earlier, drop out of school
- Boys- relaxed, independent, self-confident, physically attractive (according to
social ideals, happier, taken more seriously, popular, deviant behaviour
Late puberty
- Girls- lively, attractive, sociable, confident, leadership, more dependent on
parents
- Boys- more anxiety and depression, less positive body image, immature,
attention seeking, worse education
Adolescence
Growth spurt- period of rapid height/weight acceleration in which boys lag behind 2-
3 years
- Boys- 13 years, peak at 14/5 years – more intense and longer
- Girls- 10.5 years, peak at 12 years – preparing body size for carrying a baby
Girls:
- Breasts begin to bud
- Height spurt begins
- Pubic hair begins
- Peak strength spurt
- Peak height spurt
- Menarche (menstruation)- 12.5 yrs
- Peak weight spurt
