Puberty 🌱

Puberty is a phase of rapid physical growth and sexual maturation that typically begins between the ages of 8 and 14. The norm is around 12 to 14 years old, but for girls, it starts about 2 years before boys.

Timing of Puberty

The timing of puberty is mainly determined by genetics. For girls, if their mother started puberty earlier, they probably will too. For boys, if their father started earlier or later, that's what will likely happen to them as well. Weight and stress can also influence the timing of puberty.

Physical Changes

During puberty, growth proceeds from the extremities to the core, which is the opposite of what happens in toddlers. The growth sequence is as follows:

• Hands and feet grow first

• Arms and legs grow next

• Core grows last

This is why many kids in early puberty look like they're all arms and legs.

Sequence of Changes in Girls

Body growth is complete by about 4 years after it started.

Sequence of Changes in Boys

Final height is reached by age 20.

Hormonal Changes

Hormone production is regulated in the brain by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. These hormones stimulate the adrenal glands and gonads, causing physical and psychological changes.

Psychological Effects

• Moodiness

• Attraction and influence of emotions

• Social drama and relationship drama

• Depression and anxiety disorders (more common in girls, but often underdiagnosed in boys)

Brain Changes

Brain growth and development accelerate during puberty, similar to the rapid growth seen in infancy and early childhood. This is a time of significant brain restructuring.

Psychopathology

Mid to late adolescence is the time when serious psychopathology can begin. Depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder may first appear during this stage.

Limbic System and Prefrontal Cortex

The limbic system, located near the core of the brain, is responsible for fear and strong emotions like anger. In adolescents, the limbic system is on overdrive, while the prefrontal cortex, which controls impulses and logical thinking, is still developing.

The prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until the age of 25, which is why adolescents often struggle with impulse control and emotional regulation.

Brain Pruning and Maturation

During adolescence, the brain undergoes a process called pruning, where unnecessary connections are eliminated to make way for smoother cognition paths. This process starts at the back of the brain and moves forward, which is why the frontal lobes and prefrontal cortex are the last to finish developing.

Circadian Rhythm and Sleep

The circadian rhythm, or biological clock, governs our day-night cycle of biological activity. In adolescents, the circadian rhythm shifts later due to puberty, making it harder to wake up in the morning.

Genetics and culture also influence our tendency to be morning people or night owls. The blue spectrum light from electronics can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.

Sleep Deprivation in High School Seniors

Three out of four high school seniors are seriously sleep deprived. Factors contributing to sleep deprivation include:

• Workload and academic pressure

• Stress and expectations from teachers and parents

• Extracurricular activities and part-time jobs

• Social media and technology use before bed

Note: The data shows that boys tend to get more sleep than girls in 9th and 10th grade, but the difference disappears in 11th and 12th grade.## Adolescent Development 🤯

Sleep Patterns and Impulsivity

Adolescents tend to be sleep-deprived due to a combination of factors, including a natural shift in sleep patterns and cultural influences. Girls, in particular, tend to prioritize getting ready in the morning, while boys often rush to get out the door.

Hormones, such as testosterone, contribute to increased impulsivity in adolescents. This, combined with an immature prefrontal cortex, can lead to reckless decision-making.

Risk-Taking and Social Approval

Adolescents are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior, especially when with their peers. This is due to the brain's reward system and the desire for social approval.

Nutritional Issues

Adolescents often have unhealthy diets, leading to deficiencies in essential minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. This can be attributed to peer influence and environmental factors.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, can develop during adolescence. These disorders are often linked to body image issues, depression, and anxiety.

Sexual Maturation

Sexuality is a complex and multidimensional aspect of adolescent development. Primary and secondary sexual characteristics develop during this stage.

Adolescent Sexual Behavior

Sexual activity among friends is a strong predictor of an adolescent's sexual activity. Trends show a decrease in teen pregnancy rates and an increase in the use of protection.

States with High Teen Birth Rates

The following states have the highest teen birth rates in the US:

1. Arkansas

2. Mississippi

3. Louisiana

4. Oklahoma

5. Alabama

6. West Virginia

7. Kentucky

8. Texas

9. Tennessee

These states often have poor education systems, highlighting a correlation between education and teen birth rates.## 🧠 Formal Operational Thought

Formal operational thought is a stage of cognitive development characterized by the ability to use systematic logic and think about abstract ideas. This stage is typically reached during puberty.

Characteristics of Formal Operational Thought

• Ability to use systematic logic

• Ability to think about abstract ideas

• Use of hypothetical thought

• Consideration of possibilities that may not be reflective of reality

• Ability to use both deductive and inductive reasoning

Deductive and Inductive Reasoning

🤯 Adolescent Thinking

Adolescent thinking is characterized by four distinct features:

1. Adolescent Egocentrism

• Characteristics:

  • Self-centeredness

  • Inability to consider others' perspectives

  • Everything is about oneself

2. Rumination

• Characteristics:

  • Inability to let go of negative thoughts or emotions

  • Tendency to dwell on past experiences or relationships

3. Imaginary Audience

• Characteristics:

  • Belief that others are constantly watching and judging

  • Self-consciousness and anxiety about what others think

4. Personal Fable

• Characteristics:

  • Belief that one's own experiences are unique and more significant than others

  • Tendency to dramatize one's own emotions and experiences

5. Invincibility Fable

• Characteristics:

  • Belief that one is invincible and immune to harm

  • Tendency to engage in risky behavior and poor decision-making

🧠 Dual Processing

Dual processing refers to the idea that the human brain has two separate processing networks:

• Analytical logical reasoning

• Intuitive emotional responses

Implications for Adolescent Thinking

• Adolescents tend to rely more on intuitive emotional responses due to the underdevelopment of the prefrontal cortex

• This can lead to impulsive and emotional decision-making

• With age, adolescents become more logical and less idealistic as the prefrontal cortex develops