Developmental Psychology

Achieve Test Prep: Developmental Psychology

functional capacity. During the average adolescent growth spurt, females grow approximately 3.5 inches and males grow approximately 4 inches. Hormones of Puberty: Due to the wide range of ages during when puberty may occur, there are ‘early bloomers’ and ‘late bloomers.’ Children who are either early or late bloomers are often bullied and ostracized. Such teasing may lead to a poor body image, an increased risk of eating disorders, or other psychiatric problems. The main hormones are: • Testosterone: more prevalent in males. Helps to produce sperm and is associated with sex drive, aggression, and muscle development • Estrogen: more prevalent in females. Helps to produce eggs and is associated with libido, sexual interest, reproductive cycle, and muscle development Health and Hazards of Adolescence: Adolescence is a healthy period, as the risk of childhood diseases is virtually gone and the diseases of old age do not typically occur during this age range. The main concerns of poor health and hazards are: • Nutrition o Extra vitamins and minerals are needed due to intense growth spurts o Increased caloric need o Few American adolescents consume enough fruits and vegetables o Iron deficiency is common, especially in females • Risky behavior o Adolescents tend to engage in risky behavior, more so than any other age group o Behaviors serve to separate from parents and gain social status. Adolescents learning to stand alone o Behaviors include: car accidents, sexual promiscuity, drug/alcohol abuse, and disregard for parental direction • Drug use o The majority of teenagers have tried alcohol or drugs before graduating high school

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