Chapter 6

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Chapter 6 Kylie Snider Psychology 2440 Professor Bill Taylor October 25th, 2023
1. Summarize the overall physical growth Puberty marks a crucial phase of rapid growth and sexual development, typically commencing between the ages of eight and fourteen. The duration of pubertal changes spans three to four years, with girls starting around ten and boys following approximately two years later. This transformative period involves a notable growth spurt, with an overall increase in height and weight. Distal-proximal development characterizes this growth, with extremities growing first, followed by the torso. Adolescents experience an average height gain of 10-11 inches and a weight increase of 50 to 75 pounds. The head's growth, occurring after the extremities, contributes to adolescents appearing disproportionate. During childhood, gender similarities in height and weight diminish in adolescence. From ten to fourteen, girls are taller, but not heavier, than boys, with boys surpassing in both height and weight afterward. As adolescents mature, weight differences become more pronounced than height variations. Societal preferences often favor shorter women and taller men with a lean body build, leading to potential sensitivities for teenagers. Overweight concerns have risen due to high-fat diets and sedentary lifestyles. Educational systems, by limiting physical education courses, have inadvertently contributed to this issue. Average height and weight also exhibit some correlation with racial and ethnic backgrounds, with variations in body shape that become more noticeable post-puberty. (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019 p. 215-217) 2. Describe the changes that occur during puberty Puberty is marked by a growth spurt and the development of sexual maturity. Sexual changes are categorized into primary and secondary characteristics. Primary sexual characteristics involve changes in reproductive organs. For males, this includes testes, penis, scrotum growth, and first ejaculation. For females, it involves uterus growth and menarche (first menstrual period). Stress and higher body fat percentages can influence the timing of menstruation.
Male anatomy involves both internal and external genitalia, with the testicles producing semen and sperm for procreation. Female anatomy includes external genitalia (vulva) and internal reproductive organs (vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). Females have a monthly reproductive cycle, releasing eggs from the ovaries. Secondary sexual characteristics, not directly related to reproduction, signal sexual maturity. For males, this includes broader shoulders, a lower voice, and increased hair growth. For females, breast development, hip broadening, and increased hair growth occur. Acne is a common consequence of hormonal changes during puberty, affecting about 85% of adolescents.Pubertal age is decreasing globally. A century ago, the average age of a girl's first period was 16, whereas today it is around 13. Early puberty is associated with factors like improved nutrition but may also be linked to stress, obesity, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019 p. 218) 3. Describe the changes in brain maturation During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, maturing by becoming more interconnected and specialized. Myelination and the development of connections between neurons continue, resulting in increased white matter and improved thinking and processing skills. Different brain areas undergo myelination at varying times, influencing language skills and reducing plasticity. While synaptic pruning occurs, thinning the cortex but increasing efficiency, the corpus callosum thickens, strengthening connections between brain areas. The limbic system, associated with emotion and reward, is linked to hormonal changes during puberty, influencing novelty-seeking and peer interaction. In contrast, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and decision-making, doesn't fully develop until the mid-20s, creating a mismatch with the earlier-developing limbic system. Teens often take risks due to differences in weighing risks and rewards. The adolescent brain's sensitivity to dopamine peaks, leading to a preference for social
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rewards, especially in the company of peers. Dopamine and oxytocin engagement makes social connections rewarding, driving adolescents toward peer interactions and excitement, sometimes leading to harmful consequences. Adolescent brains are vulnerable to abnormal development and mental illness, with 50% of mental illness occurring by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Drug exposure, such as repeated marijuana use, can affect cellular activity in the endocannabinoid system, impacting adolescents more profoundly. Despite vulnerabilities, the adaptive qualities of the adolescent brain, including novelty-seeking and risk-taking, contribute to positive outcomes, fostering independence from the family and exploration of new relationships and experiences. (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019 p. 220-221) 4. Describe the changes in sleep Adolescents require 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night for optimal functioning, but a 2006 Sleep in America poll revealed that they often fall short of this recommendation. On average, adolescents receive 7 1⁄2 hours of sleep on school nights, with younger adolescents getting more sleep than older ones. Insufficient sleep in older adolescents is associated with negative consequences, such as fatigue, irritability, and impaired mood, along with increased risks of substance abuse, car crashes, poor academic performance, obesity, and weakened immunity. Insufficient sleep is also linked to risky sexual behaviors in adolescents, possibly due to staying out late without parental supervision, leading to engagement in various risky behaviors, including unprotected sex and substance use. Another explanation is that sleep deprivation negatively affects impulsivity and decision-making processes. Several factors contribute to adolescents' inadequate sleep, including environmental and social factors like work, homework, media, technology, and socializing. Puberty-induced changes in circadian rhythms also push their sleep time later into the evening, making it difficult for them to
wake up early, impacting attention, academic achievement, and behavior. To support adolescents' later sleeping schedule, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends school start times not earlier than 8:30 a.m. However, the majority of American schools start earlier, with an average start time of 8:03 a.m. Advocacy for later school times has grown, and some schools have changed start times, correlating with better student outcomes. Nevertheless, logistical challenges in changing schedules leave many adolescents vulnerable to the negative consequences of sleep deprivation. It's advised for adolescents to find a balance in sleep schedules between school days and weekends to avoid sleep deprivation and disruptions to the natural biological sleep cycle. 5. Describe gender intensification During adolescence, around ages ten to eleven, increased sexual attraction influences social interactions. By high school, over 50% of boys and girls report having had sexual intercourse. Adolescent pregnancy rates have significantly decreased, potentially linked to decreased sexual activity and increased use of birth control. Risk factors for adolescent pregnancy include factors reducing risk, such as parent/child closeness and parental values against teen intercourse. Conversely, residing in disorganized neighborhoods, lower socioeconomic status, early puberty, and history of sexual abuse increase the risk. Adolescent mothers face challenges, with only 40% graduating from high school. Poverty rates are high, and children born to unmarried teenage high-school dropouts are more likely to face academic difficulties and drop out. Research on men's age at fatherhood and education reflects patterns similar to women, with education influencing the age at which individuals become parents. (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019 p. 222) 6. Identify nutritional concerns
7. Describe eating disorders Eating disorders, commonly emerging in adolescence or young adulthood, affect both genders, with higher rates among women. Genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors contribute to their complexity. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are the main types, each with distinct criteria outlined in the DSM-5. Treatment involves addressing nutritional needs, ceasing harmful behaviors, and employing tailored plans, including medical care, nutritional counseling, medications, and psychotherapy. The Maudsley Approach actively involves parents in treatment, while cognitive-behavioral therapy targets distorted thinking patterns. (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019 p. 223) 8. Explain the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of adolescent pre Risk factors include genetic predisposition, family history, and differences in brain activity. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders, with health consequences including heart failure, bone density reduction, and muscle weakness. Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder pose risks like electrolyte imbalances and obesity-related health issues. (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019 p. 224-225)
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References Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2019). LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT (2nd ed.).