1. The Nature of Adolescence

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Sexuality and Adolescence

10. Body Image

11. 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

12. 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

15. Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Adolescent Pregnancy Rates20 40 60 80
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
England and Wales
Canada
France
Sweden
U.S.
Year
Fig. 12.6