The Nature of Adolescence

Fact or Fiction? “pubescent” comes from the Latin word meaning, “to grow hairy” Puberty Starts at One Point in Time Puberty Strikes Without Warning Puberty is the Result of Raging Hormones

What physical changes occur in adolescence? Pubertal with rapid physical changes involving hormones Menarche is a girl’s first menstruation Puberty is also triggered by body mass Genetic factors are involved in puberty Puberty involves the interaction of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads The onset of puberty varies among individuals

Median Ages at Menarche in Selected Northern European Countries and the United States from 1845 to 1969 1980 1840 1860 1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 18 17 16 12 15 14 13 Year Median age (years) at menarche Finland Sweden U.S.A. Norway U.K. Fig. 12.1

Most noticeable physical changes include Pubic hair growth Facial and chest hair growth in males Breast growth in females Increased height and weight Sexual maturity Adolescent sexuality is initiated by First ejaculation, voice change, penis elongation, and testes development in males Highly irregular menstrual cycles, rounding of breasts, and widening of hips in females

Early onset of puberty can create risks for females Depression Eating disorders Use of alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco Earlier dating and sexual involvement with males Possible lower educational attainment Pubertal changes have a strong effect on the adolescent’s body image, dating interest, and sexual behavior

Males Normal Range and Average Development of Sexual Characteristics in Males and Females Females Onset (average) Completion (average) 15 8 9 18 14 16 11 13 10 12 17 Height spurt Menarche Penile growth Breast growth Testicular growth Growth of pubic hair Age (years) Fig. 12.4

Television and other media contribute to the sexual culture Adolescent sexuality- exploration, experimentation, and sexual fantasies Adolescence is a bridge between the asexual child and sexual adulthood – reaction of each society may vary Television and other media contribute to the sexual culture Developing a sexual identity involves Sexual behavior Indication of sexual orientation

Sexuality and Adolescence

Body Image

Early- and Late-Maturing Adolescent Girls’ Perceptions of Body Image in Early and Late Adolescence Early development Late development Mean -.20 +.30 -.30 -.10 +.10 +.20 Body Image Score Grade 10 Grade 6 Fig. 12.5

Percentages of sexually active young adolescents in the United States vary greatly Male, African American, and inner-city adolescents report being the most sexually active Early sexual activity is linked to other risky behaviors and to contracting STIs Adolescents are increasing their use of contraceptives Cross-culturally, the United States still has one of the highest adolescent pregnancy and birth rates

Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Adolescent Pregnancy Rates 20 40 60 80 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 England and Wales Canada France Sweden U.S. Year Fig. 12.6