Understanding Adolescence

Developmental Characteristics of Adolescents
Adolescence, the transition between childhood and adulthood, is a stressful period of life characterized by discernible physical, mental, emotional, social and behavioral changes.

Physical development: Rapid and dramatic physical development and growth mark adolescence, including development of sexual characteristics. Marked morphological changes in almost all organs and systems of the body are responsible for the accelerated growth and the changes in contours and sexual organs. In case of boys, active acceleration in growth of coarse public hair and facial hair usually precede other signs of puberty such as voice changes. In girls, development of breasts, broadening of hips and rapid growth in height usually begins about two and a half years before menarche.

Emotional development: Adolescents have to cope, not only with changes in their physical appearance, but also with associated emotional changes and emerging and compelling sex urges. Bodily changes cause emotional stress an strain as well as abrupt and rapid mood swings. Getting emotionally disturbed by seemingly small and inconsequential matters is a common characteristic of this age group.

Hormonal changes are likely to result in thoughts pertaining to sex, irritability, restlessness, anger and tension. Sexual attraction leads to a desire to mix freely and interact with each other. However, in reality, this may not always be possible, partly due to societal restrains on pre

marital sexual expressions and also because of other priority needs in this period, viz. education, employment, etc. Hence, it becomes almost necessary for adolescents to learn how to face and deal patiently with the turbulence they face. It requires development of a sense of balance and self

imposition of limits on expression of one's needs and desires. An inability to express their needs often leads adolescents to fantasize and daydream that helps them to at least partially fulfill their desires.

Adolescence is also marked by development of the faculty of abstract thinking that enables them to think and evaluate systematically and detect and question inconsistencies between rules and behaviour. Parents as well as service providers often overlook this development, one of the basic reasons for the popularly known 'generation gap'. Socially, adolescence consists in shifts from dependency to autonomy, social responses to physical maturity, the management of sexuality, the acquisition of skills and changes in peer groupings. The need to be a part of a gang or a large group is replaced by a preference for maintaining fewer, more steady and binding relationships.

Changes during Adolescence

Physical events/ changes
BOYS Growth spurt occurs Muscles develop Skin becomes oily Shoulders broaden Voice cracks Underarm and chest hair appears Public hair appears Facial hair appears Penis and testes enlarge		GIRLS Growth spurt occurs Breasts develop Skin becomes oily Hips widen Waistline narrows Underarm and hair appears Public hair appears External genitals enlarge Uterus and ovaries enlarge

Emotional and Social events/changes		Sexual Development
Preoccupied with body image Want to establish own identity Fantasy / daydreaming Rapid mood changes, emotional instability Attention seeking behaviour Sexual attraction Curious, Inquisitive Full of energy, Restless Concrete thinking Self exploration and evaluation Conflicts with family over control Seek affiliation to counter instability Peer group defines behavioural code Formation of new relationships		Sexual organs enlarge and mature Erections in boys Sexual desire Sexual attraction Menarche, ovulation Sperm Production, Ejaculation Initiation of sexual behaviours

Possible health implications of adolescent development:

Changes during Adolescence		-Health Implications
Physical Changes Normal growing-up Increase in height and weight Breasts Development Skin becomes oily Desire to be thin, have a good figure Sexual Development Desire to have sex Ejaculation Menstruation		-Undue anxiety and tension -Increase nutrition requirement - it inadequate, -under nutrition and anemia -Stooping of shoulders, poor posture, back pain -Acne -Protein-energy malnutrition, anemia, Stunting -Unsafe sex leading to unwanted pregnancy, STIs, HIV; need of health education and services -Fear, guilt, myths - emotional problems -Dysmenorrheal, Menorrhagia - Anemia, RTI (Menstrual Hygiene)
Emotional changes and Social Development
Development of Identity Very curious Peer pressure		Confusion, moodiness, irritation Experimentation, Risk taking behaviour Effect on life styles Unhealthy eating habits leading to obesity Smoking and alcohol use leading to ill health Speed driving, accidents