Janet Belsky’s Experiencing the Lifespan, 2e

1. Janet Belsky’sExperiencing the Lifespan, 2e Chapter 8 Physical Development Meredyth Fellows, West Chester University of PA

3. Puberty • 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. • Puberty rite • Secular Trend • Menarche and Spermarche

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

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

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

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

8. Feelings About Puberty • Menstruation • 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.

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

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

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

12. Other factors related to self-consciousness • Teasing from family and friends • Dating • Media • Presents unrealistic images • Strong influence in promoting body dissatisfaction in both genders

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

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

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

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

18. Teen Suicide • 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

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

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

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

25. Behind the Numbers?

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

27. Contemporary Trends • 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 • Not perceived as “real sex” • Those reporting only oral sex • Young teenagers • Affluent, upper-middle class