Physical Growth in Adolescence
How does the timing of the adolescent growth spurt differ between males and females?
The adolescent growth spurt occurs approximately two years later in males compared to females.
What is the stage of development during which the brain continues to grow into the early 20s?
Adolescence
Which gender usually experiences the growth spurt earlier, boys or girls?
Girls
What percentage of older adolescents get an optimal amount of sleep, according to the most recent Sleep in America poll in 2006?
9%.
What is emotional regulation, and why is it important for our health outcomes?
Emotional regulation is the ability to successfully control our emotions, which takes effort. It is important for our health outcomes because it helps prevent our behavior from getting out of control and contributes to positive health outcomes.
What are the typical body parts that experience accelerated growth during the adolescent growth spurt, and in what sequence?
During the adolescent growth spurt, the extremities (head, hands, and feet) are the first to grow, followed by the arms, legs, torso, and shoulders.
Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating emotion and reward and is linked to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty?
The limbic system.
What are some physical changes that boys may experience during puberty?
Enlarged Adam's apple, lower voice as the larynx grows, facial hair, pubic hair, and underarm hair.
What are some negative consequences of not getting enough sleep among adolescents, as mentioned in the NSF (2016) report?
Feeling too tired or sleepy, being cranky or irritable, falling asleep in school, having a depressed mood, and drinking caffeinated beverages.
How do emotional responses, such as the stress reaction, serve as warnings of potential danger and mobilize our response to it?
Emotional responses, such as the stress reaction, serve as warnings for potential danger by alerting us to potential threats. They mobilize our response to it by preparing our body to take action, such as the fight-or-flight response.
Why may an adolescent's body appear out of proportion during puberty?
The non-uniform growth during puberty can result in an adolescent's body appearing out of proportion, as different body parts may grow at different rates.
Why do adolescents often engage in increased risk-taking behaviors and experience heightened emotions during puberty?
This may be due to the fact that the frontal lobes of their brains, responsible for judgment, impulse control, and planning, are still maturing until early adulthood.
What are some physical changes that girls may experience during puberty?
Breast enlargement, hip broadening, and development of pubic and underarm hair.
What are some potential risks associated with inadequate sleep among adolescents, as mentioned in Weintraub's (2016) research?
Substance abuse, car crashes, poor academic performance, obesity, and weakened immune system.
How does stress, if not managed, lead to potential disorders?
If stress is not managed, it can become more intense and debilitating, leading to potential disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or other stress-related conditions.
What are the fat and muscle distribution changes between males and females during puberty?
Males tend to experience faster muscle growth during puberty, while females typically experience a higher increase in body fat. Before puberty, there are usually no significant differences in fat and muscle distribution between males and females.
Which part of the brain, involved in impulse control, organization, planning, and decision-making, does not fully develop until the mid-20s?
The prefrontal cortex.
What are secondary sexual characteristics that develop during puberty?
Visible physical changes not directly linked to reproduction but signal sexual maturity, such as breast enlargement in girls and broadening of shoulders in boys.
What are the recommended daily calorie intake ranges for girls and boys aged nine to thirteen?
Girls should consume about 1,400 to 2,200 calories per day, and boys should consume 1,600 to 2,600 calories per day.
What are some examples of anxiety disorders?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What happens to an adolescent's heart and lungs during puberty?
An adolescent's heart and lungs increase in both size and capacity during puberty, contributing to increased strength and tolerance for exercise.
Which part of the brain is particularly important during adolescence due to its role in judgment, impulse control, and planning?
The frontal lobe.
What percentage of adolescents develop acne during puberty, and which gender is more prone to it?
85% of adolescents develop acne during puberty, with boys being more prone to it due to higher levels of testosterone.
What are some common eating disorders?
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
How many Americans are affected by anxiety disorders every year?
about 57 million