PSYC 1000 Chapter Notes -Sex Organ, The Sequence, Myelin

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1000
• Professor: Benjamin Giguere

Document Summary

Life-span perspective caused psychologists to look at how maturation and experience shape us not only in infancy but also in adolescence and beyond. Adolescence: transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence. Puberty follows a surge of hormones which may intensify moods and trigger a two year period of rapid physical development (usually age 11 in females, 13 in males) During this time, primary sex characteristics (body structures that make reproduction possible) develop dramatically, as do secondary sex characteristics (non-reproductive sexual characteristics) Usually a year or two before puberty, boys and girls often feel the first feelings of attraction towards those of the other (or their own) sex. The sequence of physical changes in puberty is more predictable than their timing. Males who experience early maturation tend to be more popular, self-assured and independent, but are also at risk for alcohol use, delinquency and premature sexual activity.