Growth and Development- Unit 4

Adolescence

Age 12-18

Physical Development: Adolescent

Puberty begins at age 10 for girls; littler later at age 12 for boys; rapid gain in height and weight

Age 14-16

Girls start out adolescence taller and heavier than boys by about this age

18-20 years of age

Boys continue growing by this age

Primary Sexual Characteristics

Accompanying the rapid increase in body size are changes in physical features which are the result of a sharp increase in the production of sex hormones; changes involve the maturation of the reproductive organs directly the ovaries, uterus and vagina in the female; the penis scrotum and testes in the male

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

-Breasts increase in size

-Growth of axillary and pubic hair

-Widening and rounding of hips

-Slight depending of voice

-Adam's apple appears

-Facial hair growth

-Deepening of voice

-Increase neck and shoulder size

Puberty

Beginning of menstruation; from age 10 to 15; irregular at first; 2 to 7-day flow every 28 to 35 days

"Wet dreams"

Due to the activity of the sexual glands which results in the night time ejaculation of sperm through the erect penis, usually an erotic dream

Cognitive Development: Adolescents

Continue to form their own values; time of questioning society and authority

Psychosocial Development: Adolescents

Puberty affects an adolescent's emotional state and social behavior; their moods and feelings are less stable; can fluctuate between two opposite extremes

-Helps loosen family ties

-Provides support through the rapid changes of adolescence

-Offers protection

-Acts a rehearsal for adult life

Several benefits for close attachments with peers

Caring for adolescents

Independence is important to adolescents; should be allowed to participate in decisions about their care; respect their privacy

The adolescent with a chronic illness or disability

Family routines can be seriously disrupted by the onset of a chronic illness or disability; shifting roles and sharing of duties, domestic tasks and caretaking responsibilities may require reorganization and adjustment