PSYCH 250 Lecture 14: Biosocial Development in Adolescence
Document Summary
Puberty (from latin pubertas meaning adult ) refers to the period of lifespan in which an individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction. Puberty a universal of adolescence, is not universal in its timing, tempo, and psychosocial impact. Girls gain more fat; boys gain more muscle. Lungs and heart increase in size and capacity, exercise tolerance increases. Puberty is a gradual process that begins at conception and is well under way by. Puberty begins with a biochemical signal from the hypothalamus -- to the pituitary gland -- to the adrenal glands (hpa axis) & gonads (hpg axis) The gonads increase production of sex hormones. Conflict, moodiness, & sexual urges do increase especially in early puberty when the process is first turned on. Impact of hormones is often indirect & dependent upon the psychosocial context. The interaction between hormones and cultural/emotional context may play a role. Is a sudden and rapid period of physical growth during puberty.
