1. Adolescence
13-19 years

2. Physical Development Growth Spurt: rapid increase in weight and height
Weight gain: up to 25 lbs
Height: increases several inches
Can occur in a period of months
Usually happens between in girls
and in boys
Muscle coordination: awkwardness, clumsy

3. Puberty Development of sexual organs & secondary sex characteristics:
Secretion of hormones:
Onset of menses in girls,
Production of sperm and semen in boys
2ndary sexual characteristics: Girls:
Grow pubic and axillary hair, develop breasts and wider hips, distributes body fat which leads to female shape

4. Puberty…cont’ 2ndary sex characteristics: Boys: Develop a deeper voice
Attain more muscle mass and broader shoulders
Grow pubic, facial, and body hair.

5. Mental Development Increase in knowledge and sharpening of skills
Decision making, acceptance of responsibility for their actions
Causes conflict: treated both as children and adults.

6. Emotional Development
Often stormy and in conflict
Uncertain and feel inadequate, as they try to establish their identity and independence.
Worry about their appearance, their ability and relationships with others.
Responds more to peer group influences

7. Emotional…cont’ Responds more to peer group influences
Leads to a change in attitude & behavior
Can create conflict with values previously established.

8. Emotional…cont’ Later years: Self identity is established
Feel more comfortable with who they are
Turn attention to what they may become
Gain more control of their feelings
Become more mature emotionally

9. Social Development
Move away from family to association with peer groups
Seek security in groups of people their age and with similar problems and conflicts
Develops a more mature attitude and patterns of behavior, that is associated with adult behavior of status.

10. Needs: Reassurance, support, and understanding along with basic needs
Conflict & feelings of inadequacy & insecurity can develop problems:
Eating disorders, ETOH abuse, suicide
*problems occur in other stages, but are most frequently associated with this period

11. Problems:
Eating disorders: develop from an excessive concern with appearance
Anorexia Nervosa: Drastic reduction of food intake, or No intake at all
Causes metabolic disturbances, excessive wt loss, weakness, and death if not treated

12. Problems: Bulimia: alternately binges and purges, or refusal to eat.
Induces vomiting, uses laxatives
Both conditions are more common in females than males
Usually needs psychological or psychiatric help to treat

13. Problems:
Substance Abuse: used to relieve anxiety or stress, peer pressure, escape from emotional or psychological problems, experimentation instant gratification, or heredity or cultural factors can influence use.
Can lead to total dependence, physical and mental disorders.
Treatment: Total rehabilitation

14. Suicide: One of the leading causes of death
Reasons for suicide: depression, grief or loss of love affair, failure in school, inability to meet expectations, influence of suicidal friends or parents, lack of self esteem.
Impulsive nature of adolesence increases the possibility of suicide

15. Suicide Warning Signs:
Verbal statements: “ I’d rather be dead; You’d be better off without me”
Sudden changes in appetite and sleep habits
Withdrawals and moodiness
Excessive fatigue or agitation
ETOH or drug abuse
Loss of interest in hobbies or other aspects of life

16. Suicide: Individuals are calling for help and attention:
Usually respond to efforts of assistance
Should never be ignored!
Prevention of Suicide:
Provide support and understanding
Psychological or psychiatric counseling