Adolescence Flashcards
Puberty
Period of rapid physical maturation involving hormonal and bodily changes that take place in early adolescence
Girls onset of puberty age
11 and 12 years (but lots of variability)
Boys onset of puberty age
13 and 14 years
What is a secular trend?
a pattern of change that occurs over several generations
Primary sex characteristics
characteristics that are associated with the development of organs required for reproduction
Secondary sex characteristics
signs of sexual maturity that do not involve sex organs
Menarche
onset of menstruation
- timing varies across the world
- proportion of fat to muscle plays a role
- girls have lately been entering puberty earlier
Puberty in boys, main genital effects
- growth of penis and scrotum around age 12, reaches adult size 3-4 years later
- prostate gland and seminal vesicles enlarge
- spermarche- occurs around 13
Hormones
chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands and carried through bloodstream
Hypothalamus
brain structure involved in eating and sexual behaviour
Testosterone
Hormone associated in boys with genital development, increased height, deep voice
Estradiol
Hormone associated in girls with breast, uterine, and skeletal development
Body image
- adolescents are preoccupied with their bodies
- body dissatisfaction is more present during puberty
Gender differences in body image
- Girls less happy with their bodies
- Boys become more satisfied with their bodies as they move through puberty
Early maturation in Boys
-perceive themselves more positively and had more successful peer relationships than late-maturing boys
Early maturation in girls
- May increase girls’ vulnerability to problems
- smoking, drinking, eating disorders, early dating and sex
Sleep patterns in adolescence
- inadequate sleep, less than 8 hours
- when given opportunity to sleep as long as desired, avg is 9 hours 25 mins
- hormonal shifts in biological clock cause later waking (delay in melatonin)
Obesity rates
1/5 adolescents are overweight
Obesity increases the risk of
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- future obesity
What is a big contributor to obesity?
-lack of exercise and healthy eating choices
Anorexia nervosa
relentless pursuit of thinness through starvation
- weighing less than 85% of normal weight for that age
- intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image
What type of disorders are often present with eating disorders?
Mood and anxiety disorders
What medication can be used to treat eating disorders?
Antidepressants can be used but only when individual reaches a typical weight
How can eating disorders result in death?
Can be the restriction of food itself, or cardiovascular dysfunction