- Development of secondary sex characteristics. During
puberty, changing hormonal levels play a role in activating the
development of secondary sex characteristics. These include: (1) growth
of pubic hair; (2) menarche (first menstrual period for girls) or penis
growth (for boys); (3) voice changes (for boys); (4) growth of underarm
hair; (5) facial hair growth (for boys); and (6) increased production
of oil, increased sweat gland activity, and the beginning of acne.
- Continued
brain development. Recent research suggests that teens' brains are not
completely developed until late in adolescence. Specifically, studies
suggest that the connections between neurons affecting emotional,
physical and mental abilities are incomplete. This could explain why
some teens seem to be inconsistent in controlling their emotions,
impulses, and judgments.
How Do These Changes Affect Teens?
- Teens
frequently sleep longer. Research suggests that teens actually need
more sleep to allow their bodies to conduct the internal work required
for such rapid growth. On average, teens need about 9 1/2 hours of
sleep a night.
- Teens may be more clumsy because of
growth spurts. If it seems to you that teens' bodies are all arms and
legs then your perception is correct. During this phase of development,
body parts don't all grow at the same rate. This can lead to clumsiness
as the teen tries to cope with limbs that seem to have grown overnight.
Teens can appear gangly and uncoordinated.
- Teenage
girls may become overly sensitive about their weight. This concern
arises because of the rapid weight gain associated with puberty. Sixty
percent of adolescent girls report that they are trying to lose weight.
A small percentage of adolescent girls (1-3%) become so obsessed with
their weight that they develop severe eating disorders such as anorexia
nervosa or bulimia. Anorexia nervosa refers to starvation; bulimia
refers to binge eating and vomiting. (more)
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