Adolescence – Biosocial Development Ages 11 to 18 What body changes develop during adolescence?

When does Puberty begin? Menarche = First menstrual period Spermarche = First ejaculation Between 8 & 14 2/3 of the variation is genetic

What are the changes in Puberty?

What Physical changes occur? For girls Breast development – growth spurt – menarche For boys Testes – initial pubic hair - spermarche

What is the Growth spurt? Typical growth spurt Weight – Height – Muscle

What organs increase? Lungs triple in size Heart doubles in size Skin becomes oilier (acne) Pubic hair develops

How do glands change? Hormones are secreted from: Pituitary gland Regulates growth Controls adrenal and sex glands Adrenal glands begin producing Stress hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine Gonads Ovaries – female- Produce Estradiol (Estrogen) and Ova Testicles – male – Produce Testosterone and sperm Each sex produces an increased small amount of the other sex hormone

How do hormones effect emotions? Relationship is Reciprocal Hormones and trigger emotions, and emotions can trigger hormones Emotions Hormones

What happens to adolescent logic and emotions? Excitement and emotional areas (Limbic system & Amygdala) develop before emotional regulation, analysis, and impulse control (Prefrontal cortex) develops. When emotions are intense, the logical part of the brain shuts down Deaths from accidents Fun of immediate sex VS pregnancy & STD’s

Do you remember? What signals the beginning of puberty in boys and girls? In what order does the growth spurt occur? What are the changes in organs and glands? What is the relationship between hormones and emotions? What is the relationship between adolescent emotions and logic?

What effect does puberty have on body rhythms? Circadian rhythms (the day – night cycle) Puberty alters the body rhythms E.g. Awake at midnight and sleeping in the morning

How does body fat effect puberty? Obesity = early onset of puberty Malnutrition = late onset of puberty Dramatic loss of weight will cause your period to stop Concentration camp Marathon training

How does stress effect puberty? Family conflict & stress = early onset of puberty Stress hormones are a direct cause of early puberty Genes may be a factor Early puberty = early sex Increased sexual risk taking – More partners, pregnancies, & diseases

Why is Hitting puberty at normal ages is best? Early maturing girls May be teased by boys Lower self-esteem More depression Poorer body image Early maturing boys More aggression Law-breaking Alcohol-abusing Early maturing in both sexes Sexual activity & pregnancy = depression and other psychosocial problems

Do you remember? What are the circadian rhythms that effect puberty? How does body fat effect puberty? What is the effect of family stress and conflict on puberty? Why is hitting puberty at normal ages best?

Nutrition

Body image Anxiety about body image Girls = Diet to get thin Boys like thin girls Boys = Taller and stronger Girls like tall strong boys

How do eating disorders effect adolescents?

How does Anorexia effect adolescents? Self-starvation Sees herself as fat when she is not Fear of weight gain Absence of menstruation (Both adolescents and adults) BMI = 18 or lower

How does bulimia effect adolescents? Binge (Compulsive overeating) and purge (Vomiting and laxatives) Close to normal weight Hormones Childhood eating patterns E.g. “eat everything on your plate”

What can cause disordered eating? Origins Culture – Fast food culture Stress – Comfort food Puberty One strategy to reduce eating problems Family eating together during childhood

Do you remember? What is anorexia? What is bulimia? What can cause it? What is bulimia? What is one strategy to reduce eating problems?

What Sexual Maturation occurs? Primary sex characteristics Directly involved in reproduction Uterus and testes grow Secondary sex characteristics Not directly involved in reproduction Beard and breasts

What factors effect Sexual activity? Hormones - Thoughts and emotions Society (Social context) - shapes thoughts, fantasies, shame, guilt, actual behavior Religion – Shapes behavior Virginity pledge Delays first intercourse Increases later pregnancy due to not using protection

What are the effects of early pregnancy? Pregnant before age 15 High blood pressure Spontaneous abortion Still born Low birth weight Other lifelong medical, educational and social problems Poverty Lack of education No husband Depression Drug use

Do you remember? What changes does sexual maturation produce? What are the effects of early pregnancy?