Physical Development

Question 1

Contextual Influences on Pubertal Timing: Nutrition (2)

Answer 1

• particularly in females, protein (leptin) in fat increases production and secretion of hormones, triggering puberty (menstruation) and release of an egg
• must eat enough to build up fat stores

Question 2

Contextual Influences on Pubertal Timing: Stress (2)

Answer 2

• exposure to stress is linked with earlier onset of puberty

- examples: anxiety, abuse, family issues, harsh parenting, sexual abuse, etc

Question 3

Contextual Influences on Pubertal Timing: SES (2)

Answer 3

• early onset of puberty, especially in girls, is linked with low SES
• poor families raise more fatty girls, due to low nutrition options, causing earlier periods

Question 4

Off-Time Puberty

Answer 4

• entering puberty earlier or later than peers and is linked with anxiety and depressed moods

Question 5

Early Puberty (2)

Answer 5

• before 8 in girls

- before 9 in boys

Question 6

Late Puberty (2)

Answer 6

• after 13 in girls

- after 14 in boys

Question 7

Which group does off-time puberty affect more?

Answer 7

• problems are more strongly linked with early maturation over late maturation, and more problematic for girls

Question 8

Characteristics of Early Puberty Females (2)

Answer 8

• hit puberty at 8 and are fully matured by 12
• complex issues: negative body issues and self-consciousness, depression, eating disorders, likely victims of rumours, and likely sexually harassed

Question 9

Contextual Factors Affecting Early Pubertal Timing Experiences: Boys and Girls (2)

Answer 9

• seek relationships with older peers who are similar in physical maturity
• likely to engage in age inappropriate behaviours: drugs, alcohol, smoking, and sexual activity

Question 10

Contextual Factors Affecting Early Pubertal Timing Experiences: Girls (3)

Answer 10

• poor decision making (due to brain development) and more likely to put themselves at risk
• have higher levels of teen pregnancy, abortion, STIs, and teen birth and parenting
• leads to complex and challenging experiences as a teen