Physical+Development+in+Adolescence

 Physical Development

The physical development begins in most adolescents from ages 12-18. It is characterized by dramatic changes happening to the individual from childhood to physical maturity. Physical Development in Females Adolescent girls start developing breasts by an age as early as age 8. Females will acheive full breast development from between the ages of 12-18. With pubic and armpit hair, this will usually start developing around age 9 or 10 and will reach adult distribution patterns around the age of 13 and 14.

The beginning of mestrual cycles (which are called menarche) can start as early as 10 and as late as 16 years of age. With menstrual cycles, adolescent girls get a growth spurt between the ages of 9.5 to 14.5 years old, usually happening around 13 years**.

​** **Physical Development in** Males

Boys may begin to notice enlargement of the testicles and scrotum as early as 9 years of age, followed closely by lengthening of the penis. Adult size and shape of the genitals is typically reached by age 16 to 17 years. Pubic hair growth -- as well as armpit, leg, chest, and facial hair -- begins in boys at about age 12, and reaches adult distribution patterns at about 15 to 16 years. A rapid growth in height occurs for boys between the ages of about 10.5 to 11 and 16 to 18, peaking around age 14. Puberty is not marked with a sudden incident in boys, as it is with the onset of menstruation in girls. The appearance of regular nocturnal emissions (wet dreams) marks the onset of puberty in some boys and typically occurs between the ages of 13 and 17 years, with the average about 14.5 years. Voice change in boys typically occur along with penile growth, and the occurrence of nocturnal emissions occurs with the peak of the height spurt.

Behaviour

The sudden and rapid physical changes that adolescents experience typically lend this period of development to be one of self-consciousness, sensitivity and concern over one's own bodily changes; preoccupation with physical changes can also lead to critical comparisons between oneself and one's peers. Because physical changes may not occur in a smooth, regular schedule, adolescents may go through stages of awkwardness, both in terms of appearance, physical mobility and coordination. Unnecessary anxiety may arise if adolescent girls are not informed and prepared for the onset of the menstrual cycle, or if adolescent boys are not provided accurate information about nocturnal emissions. During adolescence, it is appropriate for youngsters to begin to separate from their parents and establish an individual identity. In some cases, this may occur with minimal reaction on the part of all involved. However, in some families, significant conflict may arise over the adolescent's acts or gestures of rebellion, and the parents need to maintain control and have the youth comply. As adolescents pull away from parents in a search for identity, the peer group takes on a special significance. It may become a safe haven, in which the adolescent can test new ideas and compare physical and psychological growth. In early adolescence, the peer group usually consists of non-romantic friendships, often including "cliques," gangs, or clubs. Members of the peer group often attempt to behave alike, dress alike, have secret codes or rituals, and participate in the same activities. As the youth moves into mid-adolescence (14 to 16 years) and beyond, the peer group expands to include romantic friendships. Mid-to-late adolescence is characterized by a need to establish sexual identity through becoming comfortable with one's own body and sexual feelings. Through romantic friendships, dating, and experimentation, adolescents learn to express and receive intimate or sexual advances in a comfortable manner that is consistent with internalized values. Young people who do not have the opportunity for such experiences may demonstrate difficulty in establishing intimate relationships into adulthood.

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