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This article introduces you to physical and maturational changes that characterise the adolescence stage. You will also examine the effects of these changes on the adolescent’s psychological and social development.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT DURING ADOLESCENCE
The term
adolescence is derived from the Latin word adolescere which means to grow to
adulthood. Adolescence begins as a separate developmental stage at about the
age of 11 and ends at about the age of 22. The age boundaries of adolescence
vary so, the adolescence developmental stage can be demarcated on the basis of
physical and psychological characteristics and social roles. The onset of
puberty brings about fundamental physical changes that have significant
behavioural implications. For instance, in girls, the physical changes include
maturation of reproductive functions - ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina,
uterus, widening of hips and occurrence of menstruation (menarche).
These are
referred to as primary sexual characteristics. In boys, the physical changes
include maturation of the penis, scrotum, testis and commencement of
ejaculation. Enlargement of genitals in boys begins at about 11 -13 ½ years
with the first ejaculation of live sperm occurring somewhat late at about 14 ½
years. Other signs like broadening of the shoulders, change of voice, breast
development in girls, appearance of beards in boys, underarm and pubic hair in
both sexes, are visible on the outside of the body and serve as additional
signs of sexual maturity but do not involve the reproductive organs. These are
referred to as secondary characteristics. The body shapes of boys and girls
that were almost identical in childhood now develop differently. Girls become
wider at their hips in boys, an adaptation for child bearing.
Adolescence growth spurt
This refers
to the accelerated rate of increase in stature and mass (height and weight). There
are normally two periods of rapid growth in humans that is, during infancy and
adolescence. The growth spurt varies in intensity and age, from one child to
another. It normally lasts for about 4 ½ years. Depending on feeding and other
factors, girls attain their adult height towards late adolescence while boys
reach their adult height during their early twenties.- The speed of growth is
different for various parts though all the body parts grow rapidly. This
disproportionate growth rate of different body parts is referred to as
asynchrony.
The psychological effects of physical changes
•
Irrespective of
being an early or late maturer, a youngster will often experience social and
psychological consequences of the physical changes on his or her body. During
the adolescence period, adolescents are acutely aware of the physical changes
they experience; for instance, they become self-conscious and believe that
everyone watches them and that their bodies constantly betray them.
•
Girls worry about
menarche and it is a negative experience especially when it begins at a very
early age. They experience a high level of depression especially those who had
not been prepared for menstruation. On the other hand girls who are prepared
for this event usually accept it as a sign of femininity.
•
The physical
changes also result in increase in social maturity. Prestige in the peer group,
heightened self-esteem, increasing awareness of the body and self-
consciousness in both sexes.
•
Boys get concerned
very much with the uncontrolled erection of the penis and ejaculation. Although
most boys are proud of this ability and see it as a sign of virility, the
inability to control erections lead to embarrassment. Nocturnal emissions also
make some boys feel humiliated and guilty. Uncontrolled erections make some
boys afraid of participating in activities like dancing or standing up in class
or social gatherings.
Early and late maturation
Early
maturation: this is when girls and boys attain physical
maturation much earlier than the average expected age.
Late
maturation: this is when girls and boys attain physical
maturation much later than the average expected age.
Effects of
early and late physical maturation
Girls who
mature early begin to notice breast development at the age of 8 or 9 and
experience a height spurt at the age of 9 or 10. Their menstrual flow begins at
the age of 10 or 11.
Adolescents
who mature early are usually taller and heavier and develop primary and
secondary sex characteristics much earlier than their peers. On the other hand,
adolescents who mature late are smaller and lighter and develop primary and
secondary sex characteristics much later than their counterparts.
The effects
of early and late maturation are not the same for boys and girls. Gender
differences occur which are highlighted as here:
Early maturation in girls
Girls who
mature early are characterised by the following:
•
They are
attractive to older boys but not always emotionally mature enough for more
intimate relationships
•
Are popular among
their female peers because of superior status
•
Social isolation.
This is because they are in marginal social position that is, half-child,
half-woman and do not fit in older groups or groups of their own age
•
Develop primary
and secondary sex characteristics as early as 9 years or less
•
Early physical
maturation in girls is often linked to poor academic performance and unplanned
pregnancies
•
They seem to be
more flexible, independent and more satisfied with their lives in later years
than those who mature late.
Late maturation in girls
Late
maturing girls show the following characteristics:
•
Have a more
positive image than those who mature early
•
Are more likely to
be successful in their academic pursuits than early maturers
•
They tend to be
assertive, active, socially poised and higher in leadership ability than early
maturers
•
They are more
likely to acquire a tall slender figure than early maturers
•
Develop primary
and secondary characteristics between 15-17 years
Early maturation in boys
Boys who
mature early generally show the following characteristics:
•
They tend to be
self-controlled, self-confident and attractive to the opposite sex and are
likely to get earlier sexual experience than late maturers
•
They behave in a
socially appropriate way and are popular and more assertive in their peer
groups and social situations
•
They have a better
body image and higher self-esteem than boys who mature late
•
They are regarded
as competent, natural leaders and often assume leadership roles
•
Due to their
strength and size, they often do well in sports
•
They are expected
to live to the adult’s expectation and should act more maturely than they are
capable of doing
•
They often join
older adolescents who mislead them into deviant behaviours like substance
abuse, truancy, rebelling against teachers and parents etc.
Late maturation in boys
Late
maturing in boys are characterised by:
•
They are seen as
less attractive, less well balanced and more tense and anxious than boys who
mature early
•
Their academic
achievement is often poorer than that of boys who mature early
•
They are more
attention seeking than their peers
•
They are restless,
talkative and bossy
•
They experience
feelings of guilt, inferiority, depression, rejection and general anxiety. They
have a greater need for encouragement, sympathy and understanding from other
boys than boys who mature early.
•
They have
difficulties in dealing with authority figures
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