...Having knowledge of puberty is important and, especially when you have children in the pubescent age, can be very helpful. This paper analyzes puberty by discussing its causes, physical effects in females and males, and the emotional effects experienced by both. From birth, our bodies change daily. Puberty is the stage the body goes through to evolve to sexual maturity. Puberty is caused when the body is nearing sexual maturity and the body releases chemicals known as hormones. there are different types of hormones that affect the body differently. Stimulated growth hormones will cause the body to grow; the rate of this growth differs from person to person, some faster or slower than others. Estrogen and progesterone are produced when the brain and pituitary glands release hormones that stimulate the ovaries of females, while the male testicles produce testosterone. This is the beginning stage of puberty. Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on Puberty for You! For girls puberty can begin between the ages of nine to fourteen. The first noticeable changes that occur are breast development, and the beginning of pubic, armpit, and leg hair. The body becomes taller, growing in physical appearances Hips will begin to get rounder, arms longer, and feet larger; this will happen in spurts that will vary from child to child. An unfortunate side effect of puberty is acne, which also begins at this stage. The menstruation cycle, commonly referred to as a women’s “period,” will...
Words: 350 - Pages: 2
...often discussed as though it were a discrete event, puberty comprises one segment of a larger developmental continuum and is notable for rapid transformation across a multitude of domains. Research suggests that an earlier rate of pubertal maturation in girls correlates with a number of detrimental outcomes compared with on-time or later maturation. The present review synthesizes the research on negative psychological sequelae of early pubertal timing in adolescent girls. Emphasis is on three theoretical perspectives by which precocious development is believed to affect the emergence of adverse outcomes: biological, psychosocial, and selection effects. Consequences of early pubertal timing As a developmental milestone, puberty is notable for its rapid and near-simultaneous transformation across biological, social, and psychological domains. As physical appearance matures, individuals must navigate changing social norms and expectations. This often necessitates a confrontation and, perhaps, reorganization of identity and self-perception. Aberrance in maturational timing seems to increase risk for emotional and behavioral problems during adolescence and early adulthood (Peterson & Taylor, 1980). In particular, girls who mature earlier than their peers seem to find pubertal adjustment especially challenging and are more likely to experience detrimental sequelae (e.g., Caspi & Moffitt, 1991; Ge, Conger & Elder, 1996). Just as puberty itself is multiply determined, the negative outcomes...
Words: 488 - Pages: 2
...Puberty is an event in my life that was delicate; however it was very alarming to deliberate with my family. Building on my own overview, I understand the discomfort that nature brings. To me, it was an eye-opening experience, which let me know that I was progressing from being an adolescent to an emerging adult. I recall this moment like it had occurred yesterday. Seemed as if I woke up that morning and puberty decided it wanted to take its toll that day. Other than the knowledge that I gained in my 5th grade gym/ health class about what is going to happen, I had no idea what it would be like. My mother never had “the talk” with me, so I was scared. Me being so young in age, I did not want anyone to find out because I was scared and embarrassed. Being so determined, I was very secretive about everything so not a single person would find out. Having an older sister, I knew it was not anything I should be apprehensive about because it happens to every girl. My knowledge of how puberty was supposed to begin was limited because no one talked to me about it. I knew that I was going to have a menstrual cycle, develop breast, as well as start to gain pubic hair, and begin to develop acne; the basics. When I started to develop breast I would get severely self-conscious about how I dressed, when I would go out, and the stares that I would receive. Puberty to me was a sign of a significant alteration to my body. Noticing the change that was occurring with my growths spurt also was telling...
Words: 740 - Pages: 3
...Effects of Precocious Puberty on Development Effects of Precocious Puberty on Development One of the process that typically begins in late childhood, before the onset of adolescence is puberty. Puberty is characterized by the appearance of secondary sex characteristics; growth in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonadal glands; a significant increase in growth; secretion of testosterone in boys; and also the capacity of fertility. Puberty often begins between 10-13 years of age depending on gender. However, there are cases in which a variety of factors may cause an individual to begin puberty before the age of eight years in boys, or the onset of menarche in girls before the age of nine (Cesario & Hughes, 2007). Early maturation and onset of puberty can cause many psychological and developmental complications for children at such a young age. For example, a girl who may physically mature early may have to deal with schoolmates teasing her for breast development and other secondary sex characteristics. The early onset of puberty does not have a single cause. It can be caused by a variety of factors, or even a combination of multiple factors. One of the factors that may be involved is a genetic mutation in a Lutropin Hormone receptor gene. The mutation in the LH receptor gene results in continuous production of testosterone, which causes early onset of the secondary sex characteristics to begin in young males...
Words: 1568 - Pages: 7
...Each year roughly 3 million children are diagnosed with precocious puberty in the United States. Precocious puberty is a condition in which children experience premature sexual maturation. Noticeable symptoms for boys include early development of body hair, acne, facial hair development, deepening of the voice, and enlargement of penis and testicles before the age of 9. In girls, symptoms may include early development of body hair, acne, breast, and potential menstruation before the age of 8. (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, HHS, 2013) Today, precocious puberty is being called a new “normal” among children, but that is unacceptable because children should be able to enjoy their childhood...
Words: 1548 - Pages: 7
...This paper identifies the correlation between a child entering puberty and his or her history of sexual, physical, or psychological abuse. The paper examines whether children who are abused or maltreated have a more difficult time entering and going through puberty than those who were not abused. Puberty is the period of development where adolescents reach sexual maturity and are capable of reproduction. This can be a ‘scary’ or confusing time for adolescents as their body goes through a massive change. Further, a child who has been abused, especially sexually, has a different experience with these changes; sexually abused children and teens act and react in extremes, rather than moderation. Puberty is a time of sexual-awakening for a child; a child who has been sexually abused will neglect the idea of puberty based on his or her negative associations with sexual behavior. Children who are abused experience sexuality in a premature manner. While the child did not understand the significance at the time of the abuse, he or she holds negative energy toward sexual alterations or changes because of the emotionally painful experience. However, children may have associated the physical aspect of the abuse with both pain and pleasure; this mixture of emotions and physical feelings creates shame in young teens and adolescents (Mandell, Damon, & Castaldo, 1989). Often the physical aspect of the sexual abuse has encouraging feelings; the one being abused may even reach orgasm. However...
Words: 1425 - Pages: 6
...Lifespan Development & Personality: Adolescence (12-18) Phych 103 Development & Personality of Adolescence 12-18 years Physical Development The term adolescence is commonly used to describe the transition stage between childhood and adulthood, best known as “teen age years” or puberty. An individual typically is considered an adolescent when they start with the onset of puberty. The overall general experience of entering adolescence depends on their gender. Puberty typically begins around 10-13 tears of age, typically girls beginning earlier than the boys and then sharp increases in height and weight that would then precede to sexual maturity (University of Michigan, 2013). Generally African-American boys and girls; more so girls; tend to start puberty and sexual activity at an earlier age than Caucasian boys and girls. On the surface the physical hereditary differences are naked to the eye, however, despite race, the psychological and physical development and influence on an adolescent starts in the womb. The adolescent’s development initially started at conception. Whether the carrier (mother) took care of herself can play a huge part in the physical development of a child (US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, 2010). Another aspect to consider would be the environmental surroundings and influences an adolescent can be affected. For instance; according to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago (2011);...
Words: 643 - Pages: 3
...reactions to the age of puberty. The most fascinating aspects of adolescence defined as the challenges of growing into adulthood. Researchers consider puberty as the development marker with important implications. These implications include the transition of the young male or female travels before adulthood. This document details the knowledge of self-learning, and group, or peer learning within the cultural mixing pot of today’s world. Early Gender Differences Early gender differences should not cause young males or females any difficulties, or harmful reactions from this transition. Most young people going through the transitions normally show no ill effects from the change. This transition does show first beginning of a range of psychosocial problems; early maturity, sub-cultural, peer pressures, and emotional reflections. For the young culture of this world, this first stage into adulthood signals the birth of significant, rapid changes for most young males and females. Significant associations define these changes through the biological differences in sleep patterns, hormonal, and body influences. The psychological differences define traumatic shifts in identification crisis, body, and mental relationships with self, parents, and peers (Blondell, Foster, & Kamlesh, 1999). Early Maturity Differences Researchers studying the beginnings of puberty define this first stage as the capability for reproduction. This study found that 90% of girls reach puberty between the ages of...
Words: 1158 - Pages: 5
...cause the children’s way of thinking to change in relationship to others as well as to themselves (Vander Zanden, 2000). Physical Development The onset of puberty occurs in this time of life. Puberty is the beginning stage into adulthood but children must go through many changes through the journey. Adolescences oftentimes find this stage of development dramatic. Females may find this time more dramatic than males. “Girls who have been advanced in physical maturity since the prenatal period, reach puberty, on average, two years earlier than boys” (Berk, 2010, p. 363). Both male and female adolescences experience growth spurts through this time frame, which is the first outward sign of the onset of puberty. Hormone levels increase in both males and females. Female begin to develop breast and pubic hair begins to grow. This is the time females normally start their menstruation cycle. Males develop pubic and facial hair at this time. Male’s penis and testes begin to enlarge also. The male voice becomes deeper as he advances in puberty. Females are normally done growing physically by age 16 whereas males continue growing physically until around age 17 1/2 (Berk, 2010, p. 363). Factors such as physical health, environment, and heredity play a role in the development of children and the onset of puberty. Cognitive Development Not all changes that...
Words: 1555 - Pages: 7
...going to start to distance herself from her parents and start connecting with her fellow peers. Important social, emotional, and cognitive changes occur as adolescents strive for independence and move toward adulthood. The physical changes that occur at the start of adolescence result largely from the secretion of various sex hormones, and they affect virtually every aspect of an adolescent’s life. No since infancy has development been so dramatic. For instance an adolescent grows as much as 5 inches in one year. This is a lot to take in for kid, especially when girls start experiences these things at the age of ten. So Annie may or may not be used to this being she already thirteen. Maybe her mother or aunt has explain the process puberty. Puberty is the period at which maturation of the sexual organs occurs. It also when girls start to menstruate. For example, some girls begin to menstruate as early as age 8 or 9 or as late as age 16. This can be really good for Annie or really bad. Because early-maturing girls are sought after as dates and have better self-esteem than do later-maturing girls, some consequences of early physical maturation may be less positive. Early breast development may set them apart from their peers and be a source of ridicule. The rate at which physical changes occur during adolescence can affect the way people are viewed by others and the way they view themselves. Just as important as physical changes,...
Words: 504 - Pages: 3
...many changes quickly that affect feelings and personality. Males and females face the same milestones, yet, are affected and changed by them differently. What It Feels Like To Be a Teenager Being a teenager is an exciting, scary, and overall stressful time in one’s life. Many changes occur physically and mentally and one can experience a new range of different emotions. A teen is also influenced by surrounding environmental factors then they used to be. Teenagers dream of doing cool things away from their parents and gaining a whole new level of independence that all begins when they turn about 13. That is actually a naïve view of what becoming a teenager is really all about. When an adolescent enters their teenage years, puberty begins. The body goes through major growth spurts that affects the body and mind. Boys will shoot up in height and develop a deeper-toned voice leaving them to feel like a man. A girl’s body will fill out as they develop breasts, pubic hair, and begin their menstrual cycle. The increase of hormones comes into play and mentally alters a girl's perception and attitude. Also, their voice will change too, but it will not be as dramatic as it is for a young boy. This stage of adolescence is very awkward and embarrassing for most kids because they aren't sure how to react to all that is changing within their own person, and that is understandable. Now aside from all that going on, they enter the middle and high school years. Those years are...
Words: 1644 - Pages: 7
...Aspects of Adolescent egocentrism Development in teen years includes high increase of hormones, brain development that’s imbalanced, sexual maturation (puberty) and most importantly great self awareness. Adolescent egocentrism starts to become more apparent in the tween and teen years. With the increase of hormone production and onset of puberty there is another imbalance to this development, the brain development. The limbic system matures before the pre frontal cortex leaving the imbalance of more emotion and less logical thinking. With an influx of self absorbed thoughts, high awareness of details, and great concern of others opinions, this egocentric stage can possibly cause even more imbalance stress and anxiety in adolescent years. The need to be accepted grows stronger and the invincibility personality starts to take over. Acceptance of peers is important for positive outcome in self assurance and confidence. Teen peer pressure of being involved in a group or “click” of peers and trying to “fit in” can lead to mal-adaptive behaviors, i.e. Drug use, smoking, sex, breaking laws. These mal adaptive behaviors also can be distorted in way of thinking by the invincibility stage. This is also a stage where self body image also becomes so important and concern of someone elses opinion is increased. Body image and sexuality are keys to feeling acceptance, love and nurturing. Invincibility in an adolescents perception are feelins that there is nothing that can harm...
Words: 407 - Pages: 2
...Underage Drinking Introduction Alcohol is the most preferred choice of drug abuse among the youth. Many young people developed the habit of taking too much alcohol at an early age. Underage drinking has lead to numerous health problems in many countries. Many families have lost their children due to excess drinking. Adolescent stage comes with an increased independence, which is linked to alcohol abuse. This study will cover the effects of underage drinking and how it is a controversial issue in the country’s development. The Controversial Issue Teenagers are constantly willing to try different things. Drinking alcohol is one of the things teenagers try to do. Underage drinking is a widespread in the contemporary world. Most of the teenagers end up abusing alcohol. Some have lost their lives due to alcohol abuse. Each year, more than 5,000 young people below 21 years of age in the U.S. die due to alcohol abuse and alcohol related cases. This is a great loss to the society. The government is compelled to set aside funds for rehabilitation centers. The U.S. law does not allow anyone below the age of 21 to drink alcohol. Dangers of Underage Drinking Underage drinking is the chief cause of death among teenagers. Many deaths among young people are due to excess drinking. Excess drinking leads to accidents, homicides, suicides, drowning and other injuries. Too much drinking can harm the brain growth. The brain continues to enlarge and mature...
Words: 595 - Pages: 3
...responsible for changes in behaviour and can lead to pre-menstrual syndrome (or tension). It is said that our sex is determined at conception and is universal whereas gender is malleable and cultural. Gender relates to how you perceive and see yourself. Kleinefelter's syndrome (XXY) supports that we are a product of our genes as a sufferer would have some development of breast tissue, little body hair and under development of genitals, which shows how a difference in genes can affect us. This leaves the victim with a passive temperament and poor language skills. Similarly, Turner's syndrome (X) patients have under developed ovaries, webbed/bull neck and a broad chest. They are usually of short stature and maturation does not occur at puberty. This results in affecting their spatial ability, visual memory and mathematical ability while gaining higher verbal ability. They may also have difficulty in forming social relationships especially in school. However, people with Turners...
Words: 573 - Pages: 3
...Adolescent Self Portrait Holly Regan, Michelle Wilson, Sonia Raya, and Yolanda Rouse BSHS/325 January 26, 2015 Mary Carlisle Adolescent Self Portrait What is it like to be an adolescent? Being an adolescent can be confusing at times because this is a stage of life when you are transforming from a child to an adult; a teenager. They go through so many different stages of change during this time such as physical changes and emotional changes. The physical change that occurs is called puberty. Puberty is like being stuck in between being a child and an adult because your parents expect more responsibility from you. These bigger responsibilities can be as simple as more chores or taking odd side jobs to help with the family income. This change can also mean learning how to be responsible with money in order to prepare you for when you are independent and on your own. Sometimes these responsibilities are more than we want to take on and, as a result, choose being rebellious toward parental rules and hang around friends instead. Peer pressure is also a big part of being an adolescent. You have the pressures of growing up, family responsibilities and rules, and friends putting ideas in your head that leave you choosing whether to be cool and fit in or be respectful of parental guidelines. There are pressures to party, be sexually active, or do well in school. At this stage, we desperately want to be old enough to do adult things that some of our friends may already...
Words: 1076 - Pages: 5
