Adolescence

Physical development

Occurs most dramatically in the early period.

Sudden “growth spurt” can cause rapid increase in weight and height.

Weight gain of up to 25 lbs

Height increase several inches

Can occur over a period of months

Usually occurs between 11-13 in girls and 13-15 in boys

Muscle coordination does not occur as quickly, and can lead to awkwardness or clumsiness. \n

Puberty

Development of sexual organs and secondary sexual characteristics.

Secretion of sex hormones

Leads to the onset of menstruation in girls

Production of sperm and semen in boys.

Secondary sexual characteristics in females

Grow pubic/axillary hair

Develop breasts and wider hips

Distribute body fat, which leads to the female shape.

Secondary sexual characteristics in males:

Develop deeper voice

Attain more muscle mass and broader shoulders

Grow pubic, facial, and body hair. \n

Mental development

Increase in knowledge and sharpening of skills

Learn to make decisions and to accept responsibility for their actions.

Causes conflict at times because they are treated as both children and adults:

Told to “grow up”

Reminded that they are “still children” \n

Emotional development

Often stormy and in conflict

Often uncertain and feel inadequate and insecure as they try to establish their identity and independence.

Worry about their appearance, their ability, and their relationships with others.

Respond more and more to peer group influences

Leads to a change in attitude and behavior.

Can create a conflict with values previously established. \n

Later years of adolescence:

Self-identity has been established

Feel more comfortable with who they are

Turn their attention to what they may become

Gain more control of their feelings.

Become more mature emotionally.

Social development

Move away from family to association with peer groups

Seek security in groups of people their own age with similar problems and conflicts.

If peer relationships help develop self-confidence, adolescents become more secure and satisfied.

Towards the end of adolescence, develop a more mature attitude and patterns of behavior that they associate with adult behavior or status. \n

Needs:

Need reassurance, support, and understanding along with basic needs.

Conflict and feelings of inadequacy and insecurity can lead to the development of problems:

Examples include eating disorders, drug/alcohol abuse, and suicide.

Problems also occur in other stages, but they are frequently associated with this period. \n

Eating disorders

Often develop from an excessive w/appearance. \n

Anorexia nervosa:

Psychological disorder in which a person drastically reduces food intake or refuses to eat at all.

Results in metabolic disturbances, excessive wt loss, weakness and death.

Bulimia:

Psychological disorder in which a person alternately binges or eats excessively and then fasts or refuses to eat at all.

If a person induces vomiting or uses laxatives to get rid of food that has been eaten, this is called bulimarexia.

Both conditions are more common in females than in males.

Usually, psychological or psychiatric help is needed to treat these conditions.

Chemical abuse

Use of substances such as alcohol or drugs and the development of a physical and/or mental dependence on these chemicals.

Can occur in any life stage, but it frequently begins in adolescence.

Reasons they use chemicals:

Trying to relieve anxiety or stress

Peer pressure

Escape from emotional or psychological problems.

Experimentation with feelings the chemicals produce

Seeking “instant gratification”

Hereditary traits or cultural influences.

Can lead to physical and mental disorders and disease

Treatment is directed toward total rehabilitation, which allows the person to return to a productive/meaningful life. \n

Suicide

One of the leading causes of death in adolescents

Suicide is always a permanent to a temporary problem.

Reasons they commit suicide:

Depression

Grief over loss or love affair

Failure in school

Inability to meet expectations

Influence of suicidal friends or parents

Lack of self-esteem

Causes for increased risk of suicide:

Family history of suicide

A major loss or disappointment

Previous suicide attempts

Recent suicide of friends, family or models (heroes or idols)

Impulsive nature of adolescents increases the possibility of suicide

Most individuals who are thinking of suicide give warning signs:

Verbal statements such as ” I’d rather be dead” or “You’d be better off without me.”

Sudden changes in appetite or sleep habits

Withdrawal, depression, and moodiness

Excessive fatigue or agitation.

Neglect of personal hygiene

Alcohol or drug abuse

Loss of interest in hobbies and other aspects of life

Injuring one’s body

Giving away possessions

Saying goodbye to family and friends. \n

Individuals are calling for attention and help: 

Usually respond to efforts of assistance and should never be ignored.

Prevention of suicide:

Provide support and understanding

Psychological or psychiatric counseling

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