1. Physical Growth The course of physical growth
Growth curves and physical growth
Distance curve
Velocity curve
Growth curves for organs
Changes in body proportions
Cephalo-caudal development
Proximo-distal development
Continuous versus episodic growth
Psychological reactions to physical growth
Puberty – reactions to physical maturation
Reactions of boys/men
Reactions of girls/women
Early versus late maturation
Effects on adolescent adjustment
Why is maturational timing important?

2. Distal Growth Curves Distal growth curves:
Plots the growth of particular body dimension each year
Can determine interesting facts about physical growth
Plot boys and girls separately, see sex differences
Ex. In infancy, height and weight comparable
Age 11, see reversal in trend – girls shoot past boys
Advantage short-lived – reverses again by 14

3. Velocity Curve Velocity curve:
Plots absolute growth at yearly intervals
Better than distance curve at identifying timing of growth spurts
See same graph of height gain
Timing of growth spurts much more evident

4. Growth Curves for Body Organs
Velocity curves for body organs:
Plotted in terms of percent of adult size
See variety of patterns for different organs
Brain and skull mature quite quickly
Genital more slowly, then growth spurt in adolescence
Lymphoid system overgrows, then shrinks

5. Changes in Body Proportions
Cephalo-caudal development:
Growth occurs from the head downwards
In infancy upper part of body grows first
Lower part of body catches up in adolescence
Proximo-distal development:
Growth begins near center of body axis
Trunk of body grows before upper arms
Upper arms grow before lower arms and hands

6. Continuous vs. Episodic Growth

7. Psychological Reactions to Physical Growth
Puberty: The transition to adulthood
Physical changes and development
Psychological impact of puberty
Girl reactions to first menarche
Early studies
Importance of advance information
Boys reaction to first spermarche
The importance of early versus late maturation
Berkeley study of maturational timing
Early versus late maturing boys
Early versus late maturing girls
Explanations for maturational timing effects