INTRODUCTION
This article introduces you to physical and maturational changes that characterise the adolescence stage. You will also examine the effects of these changes on the adolescent’s psychological and social development as well as the social and psychological problems associated with this stage.
Table of Contents
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT DURING ADOLESCENCE
The term adolescence is derived from a Latin word adolescere that means to grow to adulthood. Adolescence begins as a separate developmental stage at about the age of 11 and ends at about the age of 22. The age boundaries of adolescence vary so, the adolescence developmental stage can be demarcated on the basis of physical and psychological characteristics and social roles.
The onset of puberty brings about fundamental physical changes that have significant behavioural implications. For instance, in girls, the physical changes include maturation of reproductive functions – ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, uterus, widening of hips and occurrence of menstruation (menarche).
These are referred to as primary sexual characteristics. In boys, the physical changes include maturation of the penis, scrotum, testis and commencement of ejaculation. Enlargement of genitals in boys begins at about 11 -13 ½ years with the first ejaculation of live sperm occurring somewhat late at about 14 ½ years.
Other signs like broadening of the shoulders, change of voice, breast development in girls, appearance of beards in boys, underarm and pubic hair in both sexes, are visible on the outside of the body and serve as additional signs of sexual maturity but do not involve the reproductive organs. These are referred to as secondary characteristics. The body shapes of boys and girls that were almost identical in childhood now develop differently. Girls become wider at their hips in boys, an adaptation for child bearing.
1. Adolescence growth spurt
This refers to the accelerated rate of increase in stature and mass (height and weight). There are normally two periods of rapid growth in humans that is, during infancy and adolescence. The growth spurt varies in intensity and age, from one child to another. It normally lasts for about 4 ½ years. Depending on feeding and other factors, girls attain their adult height towards late adolescence while boys reach their adult height during their early twenties. The speed of growth is different for various parts though all the body parts grow rapidly. This disproportionate growth rate of different body parts is referred to as asynchrony.
2. The psychological effects of physical changes
• Irrespective of being an early or late maturer, a youngster will often experience social and psychological consequences of the physical changes on his or her body. During the adolescence period, adolescents are acutely aware of the physical changes they experience; for instance, they become self-conscious and believe that everyone watches them and that their bodies constantly betray them.
• Girls worry about menarche and it is a negative experience especially when it begins at a very early age. They experience a high level of depression especially those who had not been prepared for menstruation. On the other hand girls who are prepared for this event usually accept it as a sign of femininity.
• The physical changes also result in increase in social maturity. Prestige in the peer group, heightened self-esteem, increasing awareness of the body and self- consciousness in both sexes.
• Boys get concerned very much with the uncontrolled erection of the penis and ejaculation. Although most boys are proud of this ability and see it as a sign of virility, the inability to control erections lead to embarrassment. Nocturnal emissions also make some boys feel humiliated and guilty. Uncontrolled erections make some boys afraid of participating in activities like dancing or standing up in class or social gatherings.
3. Early and late maturation
Early maturation: this is when girls and boys attain physical maturation much earlier than the average expected age.
Late maturation: this is when girls and boys attain physical maturation much later than the average expected age.
Effects of early and late physical maturation
Girls who mature early begin to notice breast development at the age of 8 or 9 and experience a height spurt at the age of 9 or 10. Their menstrual flow begins at the age of 10 or 11.
Adolescents who mature early are usually taller and heavier and develop primary and secondary sex characteristics much earlier than their peers. On the other hand, adolescents who mature late are smaller and lighter and develop primary and secondary sex characteristics much later than their counterparts.
The effects of early and late maturation are not the same for boys and girls. Gender differences occur which are highlighted as here:
Early maturation in girls
Girls who mature early are characterised by the following:
• They are attractive to older boys but not always emotionally mature enough for more intimate relationships
• Are popular among their female peers because of superior status
• Social isolation. This is because they are in marginal social position that is, half-child, half-woman and do not fit in older groups or groups of their own age
• Develop primary and secondary sex characteristics as early as 9 years or less
• Early physical maturation in girls is often linked to poor academic performance and unplanned pregnancies
• They seem to be more flexible, independent and more satisfied with their lives in later years than those who mature late.
Late maturation in girls
Late maturing girls show the following characteristics:
• Have a more positive image than those who mature early
• Are more likely to be successful in their academic pursuits than early maturers
• They tend to be assertive, active, socially poised and higher in leadership ability than early maturers
• They are more likely to acquire a tall slender figure than early maturers
• Develop primary and secondary characteristics between 15-17 years
Early maturation in boys
Boys who mature early generally show the following characteristics:
• They tend to be self-controlled, self-confident and attractive to the opposite sex and are likely to get earlier sexual experience than late maturers
• They behave in a socially appropriate way and are popular and more assertive in their peer groups and social situations
• They have a better body image and higher self-esteem than boys who mature late
• They are regarded as competent, natural leaders and often assume leadership roles
• Due to their strength and size, they often do well in sports
• They are expected to live to the adult’s expectation and should act more maturely than they are capable of doing
• They often join older adolescents who mislead them into deviant behaviours like substance abuse, truancy, rebelling against teachers and parents etc.
Late maturation in boys
Late maturing in boys are characterised by:
• They are seen as less attractive, less well balanced and more tense and anxious than boys who mature early
• Their academic achievement is often poorer than that of boys who mature early
• They are more attention seeking than their peers
• They are restless, talkative and bossy
• They experience feelings of guilt, inferiority, depression, rejection and general anxiety. They have a greater need for encouragement, sympathy and understanding from other boys than boys who mature early.
• They have difficulties in dealing with authority figures
