Chapter 9.3, Problem 2LO

Summary Introduction

To define:

Key factors that influence gender identity development and gender specific behaviors.

Introduction:

Puberty is defined as the onset of sexual maturity, beginning of the adolescent stage and capability to reproduce. It is the two-year developmental period found at the start of adolescence. For females, puberty begins between 8 to 14 years and for males, it begins between 10 to 14 years. Mostly puberty is completed at the age of 16 and 18 for girls and boys, respectively. Both biology and environment play a crucial role in influencing puberty. The levels of hormones are raised in the body at the event of puberty and thus stimulate various physiological changes in both males and females. The physiological changes of puberty include height, weight, maturation of the sex organs, and development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.