Physical Development during Puberty

Study Notes

Puberty: a period of rapid physical growth and development, typically between 10-14 years old for girls and 12-16 years old for boys
Hormonal changes: increase in estrogen and testosterone levels, leading to physical changes such as:
- Growth spurts
- Development of secondary sex characteristics (e.g. breast development, facial hair)
- Changes in body shape and composition
Brain development: pruning and myelination of neurons, leading to increased efficiency and specialization of brain function

Piaget's Formal Operational Stage: characterized by:
- Ability to think abstractly and reason logically
- Development of hypothetical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Increased ability to consider multiple perspectives and abstract concepts
Information processing: improvements in:
- Attention and focus
- Memory capacity and retrieval
- Processing speed and efficiency
Executive function: development of skills such as:
- Planning and organization
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Self-regulation and impulse control

Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion Stage: characterized by:
- Exploration of identity and self-concept
- Development of a sense of autonomy and independence
- Potential for role confusion and identity crisis
Social relationships: changes in:
- Peers: increased importance of peer relationships and social status
- Family: increased independence and conflict
- Romantic relationships: emergence of romantic interest and exploration
Self-concept: development of:
- Body image and self-esteem
- Self-efficacy and confidence
- Emotional regulation and management

Puberty occurs between 10-14 years old for girls and 12-16 years old for boys, characterized by rapid physical growth and development.
Hormonal changes during puberty lead to an increase in estrogen and testosterone levels, resulting in:
- Growth spurts
- Development of secondary sex characteristics (e.g. breast development, facial hair)
- Changes in body shape and composition
Brain development during puberty involves pruning and myelination of neurons, leading to increased efficiency and specialization of brain function.

Piaget's Formal Operational Stage is characterized by:
- Ability to think abstractly and reason logically
- Development of hypothetical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Increased ability to consider multiple perspectives and abstract concepts
Improvements in information processing include:
- Enhanced attention and focus
- Increased memory capacity and retrieval
- Faster processing speed and efficiency
Executive function skills developed during this stage include:
- Planning and organization
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Self-regulation and impulse control

Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion Stage is characterized by:
- Exploration of identity and self-concept
- Development of a sense of autonomy and independence
- Potential for role confusion and identity crisis
Changes in social relationships during this stage include:
- Peers: increased importance of peer relationships and social status
- Family: increased independence and conflict
- Romantic relationships: emergence of romantic interest and exploration
Self-concept development during this stage involves:
- Body image and self-esteem
- Self-efficacy and confidence
- Emotional regulation and management