Chapter 14 Adolescent Biological Development Michael Hoerger
Adolescence Transition from childhood to adulthood Puberty: Physical and sexual maturation marking the start of adolescence Problem of early or late puberty Intense and fluctuating emotions: Direct effects of hormones Indirect effects of hormones Increased stress
Hormones Hypothalamus: brain region controlling the pituitary Pituitary gland: “master gland” that sends hormones to other glands Adrenal gland: secretes adrenaline, responsible for regulating stress, appetite, sleep, sexual excitement Gonads (sex glands): secrete GnRH, causing sexual development
Sexual Maturation Primary Sex Characteristics: Directly related to reproduction (e.g. increased size of sex organs) Secondary Sex Characteristics: Not directly related to reproduction (body shape, breast development, hair growth, voice change)
Michael Hoerger To cite this textbook: Berger, K. (2005). The developing person through the lifespan. New York: Worth. To cite this lecture: Hoerger, M. (2007, March 12). Developmental Psychology: Adolescent Biosocial Development. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.