ADOLESCENTS Who are They?

THE ADOLESCENCE STAGE Is a time of growth to maturity which begins at puberty and ends in late teens early twenties During this time of growth there are changes physically, sexually, emotionally, intellectually and socially

THE ADOLESCENCE STAGE Life at this time is filled with friends, television, sports, study, jobs, hobbies, and sometimes a lot of stress and reflective thinking

Physical characteristics of Adolescents Although it sometimes seems that adolescents’ bodies change overnight, the process of sexual maturation actually occurs over a period of several years. The sequence of physical changes is largely predictable, but there is great variability in the age of onset of puberty and the pace at which changes occur (Kipke, 1999)

Over View of Physical Development There are numerous factors that affect puberty: including genetic ( look like parent) biological influences ( hormone level) stressful life events (family, peer pressure) socioeconomic status (financial status of family) nutrition and diet (health status) amount of body fat chronic illness. (depression, brain tumour) The growth spurt, (rapid skeletal growth, begins: ages 10 to 12 in girls and 12 to 14 in boys and is complete at around age 17 to 19 in girls and 20 in boys.)

Physical characteristics of Adolescents What physical changes do adolescents experience? What are the consequences of early and late maturation? What are the nutritional needs and concerns of adolescents? What are some threats to the well- being of adolescents?  

Physical changes Adolescent growth spurt–a period of very rapid growth in height and weight during adolescence Puberty –the period of maturation during which the sexual organs mature Girls start puberty around age 11 or 12, and boys begin around 13 or 14  

Puberty in Girls Menarche – the onset of menstruation Primary sex characteristics (hidden) characteristics that are associated with the development of the organs and structures of the body that directly relate to reproduction (vagina and uterus) Secondary sex characteristics – (visible) signs of sexual maturity that do not involve the sex organs directly(breasts, underarm and pubic hair)

Puberty in Boys Spermarche – the first ejaculation, usually occurs around age 13yrs, more than a year after body has begun producing sperm Primary sex characteristics (hidden)characteristics that are associated with the development of the organs and structures of the body that directly relate to reproduction (penis and scrotum) Secondary sex characteristics –(visible) signs of sexual maturity that do not involve the sex organs directly(underarm, pubic and facial hair, voice deepens)

The Changes of Sexual Maturation During Adolescence

Body Image Early maturation Boys who mature early tend to be more successful in athletics and have a more positive self-concept. Girls may endure ridicule, and the physical changes may lead to some psychological challenges, as suddenly they are faced with societal issues of female sexuality.  

Body Image Late maturation – Boys may be viewed as less attractive if they are smaller in stature and social life may suffer since they are expected to be bigger than the females they start dating. Girls who mature later may fare out better because they fit societal ideal of slender, “leggy” body type versus early maturers, who tend to look heavier in comparison.

Problems with maturation It is important for adults to be on the alert for signs of early and late physically maturing adolescents— particularly early maturing girls and late maturing boys—because these adolescents appear to be at increased risk for a number of reasons

Problems with maturation Depression, substance abuse (smoking), disruptive behaviours, and eating problems (early maturing girls), high-risk behaviours such as: sexual activity, smoking, or delinquency. (early maturing boys) GIRLS EXPEIRENCE MORE PROBLEMS THAN BOYS!

Problems with maturation late maturation of boys at greater risk depression conflict with parents school problem . Because of their smaller stature, late maturing boys may also be at higher risk for being bullied

Nutrition and Food Fuelling the Growth of Adolescence  Obesity - is the most common nutritional concern during adolescence. About 20% of adolescents are overweight. Anorexia nervosa – (girls) severe eating disorder that may be life threatening. However, anorexia is also becoming a problem for boys.

Stress and Coping Stress - is the physical and emotional response to events that threaten or challenge us. Adolescents experience a great deal of stress. Stress may cause: Psychosomatic disorders–medical problems caused by the interaction of psychological, emotional, and physical difficulties Life-threatening illnesses Coping - is defined as making efforts to control, reduce, or tolerate the threats and challenges that lead to stress

Stress and Coping Problem-focused coping involves attempt to change situation Emotion-focused coping involves conscious regulation of emotion. Social support coping involves the assistance and comfort supplied by others. Defensive coping is the unconscious use of strategies that distort or deny the true nature of a situation.

Threats to Adolescents Well-Being Drugs Alcohol Tobacco Sexually transmitted diseases  Societal pressures to be thin Peer pressure Poverty

Psychosocial Characteristics of Adolescents Erik Erickson defined this period as Identity vs Role Confusion

Stanley Hall in the early 1900s defined this period as storm and stress in which they enter a “turbulent stage” of growth

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents Radical changes occur during this stage: The great body changes accompanying puberty, the ability of the mind to search one’s own intentions and the intentions of others, the sudden sharpened awareness of the roles in society

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents (a few) These are often classified as: a period of “storm and stress’ moods oscillate between upset and instability, energy and lethargy, joy and depression

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents a strong sense of self or they become confused about their identity and their roles in life. self-centered, they believe that everyone’s attention is focused on them.

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents significant relationship – peers, role model existential Question – “Who am I and where am I going?”

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents how they appear to others pondering the roles they will play in an adult world. Whilst experiencing mixed ideas and feelings about how they fit well into society

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents experimenting with a variety of behaviors and activities for example, tinkering with cars or religious groups A battle between ‘the person him/her has come to be’ and ‘the person society expects him/her to become’

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents conflicts with adults over religion and political ideologies which results in the adolescent choosing his/her own ideology. career choices becoming important fall in and out of love just as quickly

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents wanting to be with others in their social group but the next day seek solitude being between rebellion and conformity; they are selfish and materialistic and are morally idealistic. a fluctuation between overflowing confidence and fearful doubt

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents Adolescents who are able to accept themselves and who have developed a positive identity are more likely to be mentally healthy than those who have negative identity or do not like themselves.

Psychosocial characteristics of Adolescents Issues with the Adolescent are: Sexuality – Masturbation, Sexual Orientation Male – Female Sexual Behavior Teenage Pregnancy Juvenile delinquency (prison) Suicide (killing of oneself) Less time spent with parents as they seek independence

Cognitive process (how you think) There are variations of cognition in adolescents. Many young adolescents are at the point of consolidating their concrete operational thought (the thought process becomes more rational, mature and 'adult like',) and beginning to think in a formal operational (logically organized system of adult intelligence.) hence, problem solving strategies.

references Collins, Gary R. 1988. Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide. United States Kipke, M. 1999. Adolescent development and the biology of puberty: Summary of a workshop on new research. Washington Rice, Phillip F. 2001. Human Development A Life-Span Approach, 4th Edition, Prentice Hall Ryrie, Charles C. 1995. Ryrie Study Bible. Chicago Spencer, Rathus A. Childhood and Adolescence Voyages in Development, 2nd Edition, Thompson & Wadsworth Santrock, John W. 1998. Child Development 8th edition, United States