Puberty

Question 1

How does the body change during puberty?

Answer 1

1. Primary sexual characterstics
   Females; menstruation, ovaries, uterus, vagina
   Males; spermarche, penis, scrotum, testes
2. Secondary sexual characteristics
   Female; breast development, underarm and pubic hair
   Male; facial hair, voice change, underarm and pubic hair

• Attain adult-sized body

Question 2

What are some differences in pubertal growth?

Answer 2

• Heredity plays a part on timing of pubertal changes
• Nutrition and exercise influence as well
  Females; nutrition habits - release of leptin, or not - ready for puberty?
• Ethnicity
• Socio-economic status

Question 3

How does early pubertal changes affect boys and girls?

Answer 3

Girls
Unpopular, withdrawn, low confidence
More deviant behavior
Negative body image
More long term problems

Boys
Popular
Confident, independant
Positive body image

Question 4

How does late pubertal changes affect boys and girls?

Answer 4

Girls
Popular
Sociable, lively
School leaders
Positive body image

Boys
Unpopular
Anxious, talkative, attention-seeking
Negative body image

Question 5

What are the reactions to puberty?

Answer 5

• Mixed
• Influenced by family and peers
• Girls talk more about it with others, guys hold it in
• Different kind of values, cultures + sex differences in challenges during puberty
• Preparation is important
  School and parents play an important part

Question 6

Body Image

Answer 6

Conception of and attitude toward their physical appearance
- Strong predictor of self-esteem

Question 7

Are adolescents more moody?

Answer 7

• Higher hormone levels
• React intensively to negative experiences and situations in general
• Sleep schedules are important

Question 8

How is the parent-child relationship during puberty?

Answer 8

• More conflicts
• Adolescence seek more autonomy, want to be treated like an adult
• Protecting vs letting them find themselves
• Sex differences
  Girls - more restrictions