Physical Development in Adolescence Conceptions of Adolescence Biological Perspective - Puberty - Storm and stress- Freud-Genital stage Social Perspective - Margaret Mead- social environment responsible - Social and cultural influences Balanced Point of View- Biological, psychological and social influences- Tribal and village societies have brief adolescence periodPhases of Adolescence Early 11 to 14- Rapid Pubertal changes Middle 14 to 16- Puberty nearly complete Late 16 to 18- Achieves adult appearance and assumes adult rolesHormonal Changes in Puberty Growth Hormone and thyroxin- increase around 8 and 9 years old Androgens- Muscle growth, body and facial hair- More in Boys- Testosterone Estrogen- Breast, uterine - More in girls - Adrenal estrogen- Height spurt, underarm and pubic hairMotor Development and Physical Activity Gross motor development improves with puberty- Girls: slow and gradual gains- Boys: Dramatic spurt in strength, speed and endurance - Gender gap in skills widen, so gender-segregated physical education begins- But levels of physical activity often declineSexual Maturation Primary sexual characteristics - Maturation of the reproductive organs - Girls: Menarche - Boys: Spermarche Secondary Sexual Characteristics - Girls: Breast - Boys: Facial Hair voice change- Both: Underarm and pubic hairIndividual Differences in Timing of Puberty Heredity Nutrition, exercise (Body fat in girls) Geographical location SES Ethic Group Secular trendBrain Development in Adolescence White matter increases, gray matter decline - Pruning continues - Myelination speeds up - Improved cognition Neurons more sensitive to neurotransmitters Changes in brains emotional- social network outpace development of cognitive control network (Can’t regulate themselves)- Experience are more intense- Pleasure- and novelty- seeking; taking drugs increasesSleep Habits in Adolescence Sleep needs are still the same as in middle childhood- 9 hours of sleep needed But adolescence go to bed later- Biological changes - Social habit Sleep Deprivation - Achievement, mood problems - More high risk behaviorsPsychological and Emotional Reactions to Puberty Reactions to pubertal changes vary- Cultural plays a role Adolescent moodiness Parent-child conflict risesConsequences of Timing of Puberty Early-Maturing - Boyso Popular o Confident, independent o Positive body image (Hoe you feel about the way you look )- Girlso Unpopular o Withdrawn, low confidence, negative body image o More deviant behavior Late-Maturing - Boys o Unpopular o Anxious, talkative, attention- seekingo Negative body image- Girlso Popularo Sociable, lively o Positive body
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