Adolescent Development

Paper Summary:

The focus of this paper will be on the adolescent period of the developmental stage of an individual. Developmental psychology uses various perspectives or approaches in explaining the patterns of development or change in a human being. It looks at issues such as sexual awareness, puberty, independence and self-image.

From the Paper:

"One of the first approaches that will help explain the patterns of development of a human being is through the physical development stage. Physical development involves the bodily changes that young people have when they approach the puberty stage. Puberty is often referred to as "a period of rapid skeletal and sexual maturation that occurs mainly in early adolescence" (Santrock 2000 346). During the puberty stage, female and male individuals undergo several changes suitable for their physical stature and composition. Puberty among girls usually begins at age 9 to 12, while puberty among boys start at ages 11 to 14. Changes include the growth of hair in the genital areas and underarms of both male and female. Body proportions also change, with females developing bigger hips, bigger breasts, ovulation, and menstrual cycle begins. Males, meanwhile, starts producing sperms, erections and ejaculations, wet dreams, and darkening of the scrotum (Advocates for Youth 2002)."

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