Adolescence - Puberty Chapter 8

What are the 3 leading causes of death in adolescence?

• Accidents, homicide, suicide

What physical changes occur in boys and girls going through puberty?

Females- breast development, growth of fatty tissues in hips and buttocks, growth of pubic hair, menarche begins, increased blood supply to the clitoris, thickening of the walls of the vagina, and doubling the size of the uterus. Males- growth of the testes and scrotal sac, pubic hair, about a year later the penis begins to grow, the larynx (voice box) begins to grow, facial hair, throughout this time erections increase with frequency.

How does early puberty affect boys and girls differently?

Girls: • Look and act differently from peers • Low self esteem • Increased depression • Poor body image • Increased romantic involvement (drug/alcohol, abuse, sex) Boys • Better athletics • More popular • Higher self esteem • More cooperative and responsible

What factors do we know influence sexual orientation?

It is shaped by several factors; genetic, biological, environmental

What is the difference between puberty and adolescence?

Puberty is the sudden enlargement and maturation of the ovaries/testes and other genitalia leading to reproductive capacity Adolescence is the social development; the psychological transition from behavior, attitudes, and responsibilities of a child to the behavior, attitudes and responsibilities of an adult.

What is sexual orientation?

To whom we are sexually attracted to, and whom we have potential to love

What individual and environmental factors play a role in early/late puberty?

• Pituitary gland helps to regulate physical development by releasing growth hormone. Estrogen and Androgen is present in both boys and girls. The timing of pubertal events is regulated by genetics. • Nutrition and health are strong environmental factors. • Puberty occurs earlier in adolescents who are well nourished and healthy than those who are not. • Girls enter puberty at younger age (faster/early) when their mothers romantic relationships were stressful, girls have their menstrual period at younger age when mothers used harsh punishments on them as preschoolers, • Girls who experience socioeconomic stress; the hormones elicited by this stress may help to activate the hormones that trigger menarche.