Adolescence.ppt

Adolescence
Psyc311 Developmental
Dr. Wright
definition of puberty
Pubertas – Latin word for “adult”
Narrow definition: The process by which an individual es capable of reproduction.
The activation of the HPG/HPA axis
Broad definition: The physical, psychological, and cultural changes that occur as the growing child transitions into adulthood.
time periods of adolescent
Adolescence is a unique developmental period
it keeps changing!
Early adolescence – 11 to 13 years old
Continues to be pushed earlier (9-10…)
Middle adolescence – 14 to 17 years old
Late adolescence (early adulthood) – 18 to 20 years old
Continues to be pushed later (21-24…)
physical changes…
Primary sex characteristics
The ans and reproductive structures and functions that differ between women and men.
Gonads (testes and ovaries)
Secondary sex characteristics
Characteristics of the body that are caused by hormones, develop during puberty, and last through adult life.
Changes in genitals/breasts/voice
Pubic/body/facial hair
Tanner Stages
changes…
Rapid acceleration of physical growth
Adolescent growth spurt
(girls) to (boys) inches/year
½ adult weight gained during adolescence
Changes in position
3:1 muscle to body fat ratio for boys
5:4 for girls
Emergence of sex differences in physical performance
Changes in circulatory and respiratory systems
Increase in size/capacity of heart and lungs
two roles of hormones
Organizational role (life-long):
Modification of anism early in life
primarily influencing its anatomy
Organization/structure S
“Feminine” vs. “masculan-ized” brain and body
Activational role (specific to puberty):
Structural “remodeling” of brain
Increase in salience of sexual stimuli, sexual motivation
Development of secondary sex characteristics