PSYCH101 Chapter 15: Module 15 – Adolescence

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH101
• Professor: Richard Ennis

Document Summary

Puberty period sexual maturation; becomes capable of reproducing; 11 for girls; 13 for boys. Primary sex characteristics body structures that makes sexual reproduction possible; develop dramatically during growth spurt secondary sex characteristics non-reproductive sexual characteristics (fm breasts, hips; m voice, body hair) 1-2 yrs before puberty, feel attraction towards others in girls, puberty starts w/ breast development; sometimes begins before age 10. Landmarks : m first ejaculation (14); fm first menstrual period (w/in yr of 12. 5) sequence of physical changes is more predictable than timing of such changes. Diffs in times can have psych"al effects. Girls are developing more quickly than in the past increased body fat, increase hormone-mimicking chemicals, increased stress related to family disruption. During adolescence, unused neurons/connections are pruned as teens mature, frontal lobes develop improved judgement, impulse control, long- term planning frontal lobe maturation lags behind emotional limbic system explains impulsiveness, risky behaviour, emotional storms. During early teen years, reasoning is self-focused.