Understanding Adoloscence Essay

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UNIT IV- UNDERSTANDING ADOLESCENCE Adolescence is a transitional phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an adolescent as any person between ages 10 and 19. This age range falls within WHO’s definition of young people, Generally teenagers who are individuals between ages 10 and 24. Adolescence is the time between being a child and full adult, that is the period of time during which a person is biologically (physically) adult but emotionally (feelings) not at full maturity. The experiences, knowledge and skills acquired in adolescence have important implications for an individual’s prospects in adulthood. DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES DURING ADOLOSCENCE- I. Physical Development a. Rapid gains in height and weight- During a one-year growth spurt, boys and girls can gain an average of 4.1 inches and 3.5 inches in height respectively. This spurt typically occurs two years earlier for girls than for boys. Weight gain results from increased muscle development in boys and body fat in girls. b. Development of secondary sex characteristics- During puberty, changing hormonal levels play a role in activating the development of secondary sex characteristics. These include: (1) growth of pubic hair; (2) menarche (first menstrual period for girls) or penis growth (for boys); (3) voice changes (for boys); (4) growth of underarm hair; (5) facial hair growth (for boys); and (6) the increased production of oil, increased sweat gland activity, and the beginning of acne. c. Continued brain development- Recent research suggests that teens' brains are not completely developed until late in adolescence. Specifically, studies suggest that the connections between neurons affecting emotional, physical and mental abilities are incomplete. (Strauch, 2003) This could explain why some teens seem to be
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