The Nature of Adolescence

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• The Nature of Adolescence

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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

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• What physical changes occur in adolescence?
• Pubertal with rapid physical changes involving
  hormones
• Menarche is a girls 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

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Median Ages at Menarche in Selected Northern
European Countries and the United States from
1845 to 1969
Fig. 12.1
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• 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

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• 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
  adolescents body image, dating interest, and
  sexual behavior

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Normal Range and Average Development of Sexual
Characteristics in Males and Females
Males
Females
Onset (average)
Completion (average)
Age (years)
Fig. 12.4
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• 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

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Sexuality and Adolescence
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Body Image
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Early- and Late-Maturing Adolescent Girls
Perceptions of Body Image in Early and Late
Adolescence
Early development
Late development
Fig. 12.5
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• 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

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Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Adolescent
Pregnancy Rates
Fig. 12.6