Adolescents_Paper

Similarity and Differences in Adolescent Development From the day of birth a child is given a label or sex-typed (Block, 19883: Etaugh, 1983). He or she is treated according to that label. Adolescence is the most significant surge of segregation between the two sexes since fetal development (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). Sex differentiation continues with girls developing faster than boys (Berk, 2010). This paper summarizes the differential changes that occur during this stage in development as it relates to puberty, feelings toward puberty and nutrition. From birth children treatment is largely influenced by their sex-type. Parents provide gender specific toys, clothing, and encourage gender stereotype behaviors and interests (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). Extended family members, teachers, peers, and the community provide social approval or disapproval for gender-stereotyped behavior. Girls are provided more autonomy in the type of activities chosen, while boys are condemned for straying from the more defined male role (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). During adolescence changes in body proportions that occur in adolescence result in greater shoulder width and muscle development for boys and broader hips for girls preparing adolescences for adulthood (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). Puberty Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature and able to reproduce. It is a physical change that usually happens between ages 9 and 14, somewhat earlier for girls than boys (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). Puberty affects boys and girls differently; girls add more fat and hips expand. Boys tend to add more height, muscle mass and shoulder width (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). For girls the first sign of puberty is breast budding which may occur as early as 9 years of age and as late as 13 years. This followed by pubic hair, acne, underarm hair and menarche (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). For boys the first sign of puberty is the change and size of the testes, and changes in the texture and color of the scrotum, followed by penis enlargement, hair growth in the pubic area and armpits (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). Towards the end of puberty the larynx gets longer, causing the voice to deepen. (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). Muscles grow and acne and facial hair develop. Both boys and girls usually have a growth spurt that brings them closer to their adult height after puberty (Berk, 2010). Feelings towards Puberty As psychologist continue to study adolescents researchers have noted “bisocial” factors in adolescence as well as the biological factors (Collins, 1988) For example the way a girl reacts to the onset of menstruation depends if the girls psychologically prepared for this transition. If a girl has no information react negatively to the onset of menstruation. Later in life girls who were not informed, report severe symptoms, and are more self-conscious regarding their cycle then girls who were informed (Brooks-Gunn 1987). Social factors influence how teenagers feel about puberty, as well as how early or late maturation begins (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). Females that develop early tend to be more dissatisfied with their bodies, than late development females, and the opposite is true for males (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992). (Vasta, Haith, & Miller, 1992).