Janet Belskys Experiencing the Lifespan 2 e Chapter

Janet Belsky’s Experiencing the Lifespan, 2 e Chapter 8 Physical Development Meredyth Fellows, West Chester University of PA

Puberty n n Puberty: all the hormonal and physical changes that contribute to sexual maturity. Takes on an average of five years and today is typically an early teenage change. n Puberty rite n Secular Trend n Menarche and Spermarche

Rites of Passage n Many cultures have unique ceremonies to celebrate transitions to adulthood. n n n Quinceaneras, Bar-mitzvah, Sweet 16, Vine jumping, Piercing ceremonies, Clitoris removal. Apache Video African Female Circumcision Video

Puberty Trends The Secular Trend n The regular decline in the age of puberty (signaled by menarche) in developing countries. n In 1830, the average of menarche in Northern Europe was over 17. n Today, the age has fallen to under 13.

Classifying the Physical Changes n Primary Sexual Characteristics § Changes directly involved in reproduction n Secondary Sexual Characteristics § Physical changes not related to reproduction n n Growth of uterus, maturation of the ovaries, onset of menarche. Growth of penis, testes, onset of spermache Hair growth, voice changes, acne, breast development Growth Spurt § Dramatic increase in weight and height n Opposite of the cephalocaudal sequence

Feelings about Puberty n n Basic Principle: changes are exciting and frightening; reactions depend on social norms and reactions of family Breast Development n Western Cultures = pride n n n Exception: girls who attempt to maintain prepubescent appearance (gymnastics, etc. ) Menstruation Spermarche

Feelings About Puberty n Menstruation n n Attitudes towards menstruation vary—with the Navajos celebrating this change and our culture viewing it more negatively. Although women discuss menstruation with their daughters, spermarche is rarely discussed.

Maturing Early: Possible Problems for Girls (Statistical Tendencies) n May become involved with older friends n n Risk of pregnancy n n n May demonstrate “mature teenage behaviors” Popularity among boys Inability to say “no” Risk of depression n Self-consciousness

Body Image Issues n Susan Harter’s research n Feelings of competence in 5 domains relates to overall self-esteem n n Scholastic competence, behavioral conduct, athletic skills, peer likeability, appearance For adolescents, contentment with one’s appearance outweighs any other category

Satisfaction in physical appearance in both genders 3 rd through 8 th grades

Other factors related to selfconsciousness n n n Teasing from family and friends Dating Media n n Presents unrealistic images Strong influence in promoting body dissatisfaction in both genders

Eating Disorders n n Anorexia Nervosa VIDEO on Anorexia n Affects 1 in 1000 teenagers (majority girls) n 85% or less of healthy body weight n Distorted body image n 5% Mortality rate n Starvation can destroy body organs and cause death n Medical emergencies demand hospitalization

Bulimia Nervosa n n Characteristic behavior of binging and purging n In addition to forced vomiting, purging may include excess exercise Major consequences n Mouth sores, loss of tooth enamel (gray teeth), ulcers, esophageal cancer Prevalence is increasing THIN VIDEO

Risk Factors n n Strong hereditary component, especially in girls Critical, disapproving, micromanaging mothers Temperamental tendency to experience anxiety and depression Low self-efficacy n Feelings of lack of control over one’s life

Interventions n Help teens to understand: n n Our personality is a strong influence in how we appear to others. That feelings about oneself influence selfperceptions n n If teens “feel” beautiful, the outside world may agree People are beautiful in every size and shape.

Teen Suicide n n One of the leading causes of death amongst teenagers is suicide. The Centers for Disease control report that it is the third leading cause of death, behind accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to 24. Even more disturbing is the fact that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14. Boy Interrupted Video

Sexuality Sexual desire is a result of rising levels of adrenal androgens. n An interplay of nature/nurture heightens sex hormone levels n (illustration).

Who IS having intercourse? n n Average late teens, but 1 in 7 begin at age 15. Predictors: n n n Biology: early puberty Intergenerational influences Social class and ethnic differences Media practices (intercourse appears as the norm) Peer modeling

With whom are teens having sex? n n 3 in 4 teens report first sex often with steady dating partner. Research with Ohio teenagers n n 3 in 4 teens report a non-romantic sexual encounter involved someone they know well Engaging in non-committed sex n n For girls, risk factor of depression For boys, higher self esteem (one study)

Behind the Numbers?

Sexual Double-Standard n n Cultural code that gives men greater sexual freedom than women Research shows that both boys and girls put their highest priority on intimacy.

Contemporary Trends n n n 4 out of every 10 girls get pregnant before age 20. Fewer U. S. teenagers are having intercourse (and use condoms when they do). Oral Sex n Not perceived as “real sex” n Those reporting only oral sex n n Young teenagers Affluent, upper-middle class