PSYC 2314 Lifespan Development Chapter 14 Adolescence: Biosocial Development

Puberty Begins Ages 11 to 20 Begins when adrenal glands and gonads (sex glands) release hormone production, GH (growth hormone) and GnRH (gonad releasing hormone), respectively. Testosterone and estrogen

Puberty Begins Physical growth during puberty usu. begins sometime between 8 and 14. The “normal” age of menarche varies widely, from 9-18 years.

Impact of Puberty Emotional –Hormonal levels make a relatively small direct contribution to the daily emotional changes of puberty. Psychological –Indirect impact of visible changes, which is powerfully influenced by the values and expectations of the developing person’s family, peer group, and culture.

Stress and Hormones The interaction of biogenetic and psychosocial factors affects hormone production.

The Growth Spurt Between 10 and 14, a typical girl gains about 38 lbs. and 9 5/8 inches; a typical boy, 42 lbs. and 10 inches, between 12 and 16. Internal organs—lung and heart—also grow, which give the adolescent increased physical endurance.

The Growth Spurt During puberty, oil, sweat, and odor glands become more active, producing acne in approximately 90 percent of all boys and 80 percent of all girls and a need for deodorants in most. Nutritional requirements include a need for additional calories and about 50% more calcium, iron, and zinc.

Sexual Characteristics Primary Sex Characteristics –Menarche –Spermarche Attitudes toward menarche and spermarche have changed over the past two decades.

Sexual Characteristics Secondary Sex Characteristics –Breasts and pubic hair in girls –Pubic and facial hair and lowering of the voice in boys

Body Image Self Appraisal Impact on Self Esteem Gender Differences Social Environment Influences

Sexual Abuse Childhood sexual abuse: any erotic activity that arouses an adult and excites, shames, or confuses a young person—whether or not the victim protests and whether or not genital contact is involved. Onset of sexualized adult-child interaction is typically between 8 and 12.

Factors Determining Damage Repeated Incidence Distorted adult-child relationships Impairment of the child’s ability to develop normally

Drugs Drug abuse: the ingestion of a drug to the extent that impairs the user’s well-being, either biologically or psychosocially, significantly more than it helps the person. Drug addiction: a person’s dependence on a drug or a behavior in order to feel physically or psychologically at ease. Drug use: the ingestion of a drug, regardless of the amount or effect of ingestion.

Drugs Drug use is increasing among younger adolescents. –Gateway drugs: tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana act as the door opening to regular use of multiple drugs.

Influences of Drugs Tobacco: limit growth spurt Alcohol: loosens inhibitions and impairs reasoning Marijuana: seriously slows down thinking processes and may produce a lack of motivation and indifference toward the future.

Measurements Education Strict drunk-driving laws Higher prices of alcohol and cigarettes Harsher punishments for those who sell tobacco and alcohol to minors