Why is puberty an important stage in a person development?
Puberty represents a period of profound transition in terms of drives, emotions, motivations, psychology and social life. Recent preliminary evidence from developmental MRI studies has suggested that stage of puberty might play an important role in adolescent brain development, perhaps more so than chronological age.
How important is puberty to human growth and development?
Puberty results in very rapid somatic growth, brain development, sexual maturation, and attainment of reproductive capacity. It is accompanied by final maturation of multiple organ systems and major changes in the central nervous system and in psychosocial behavior (Patton and Viner 2007).
What are the significant changes in the body at puberty stage?
The body shape will change. For example, a girl’s hips will widen. The external genitals (vulva) and pubic hair will start to grow. Pubic hair will get darker and thicker over time.
How can puberty affect development?
First, the ongoing physical maturation process directly affects body and brain to alter children’s needs, interests, and moods. Then, as children start to look and act differently, an array of social influences further accelerate the social and emotional changes children experience.
What are the psychological effects of puberty?
The most important psychological and psychosocial changes in puberty and early adolescence are the emergence of abstract thinking, the growing ability of absorbing the perspectives or viewpoints of others, an increased ability of introspection, the development of personal and sexual identity, the establishment of a …
Can puberty change your personality?
During puberty your child’s emotions may become stronger and more intense. Their mood might change more frequently, quickly and randomly. Your child may have strong emotions that they’ve never experienced before. It’s common for them to feel confused, scared or angry and not know why.
Can puberty cause mental illness?
Young people may experience higher risk of mental health issues with early puberty. Those most frequent in the teenage years include anxiety and depression, eating disorders, conduct disorder (serious antisocial behaviour), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and self-harm.
Can puberty cause suicidal thoughts?
Suicide is exceedingly rare before puberty, but becomes increasingly frequent through adolescence. The overwhelming proportion of adolescents who commit suicide (over 90 percent) suffered from a psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. Over half had suffered from a psychiatric disorder for at least two years.
Can puberty cause depression in males?
Boys will experience a range of emotions as they go through puberty. At times, they may feel irritable, sad, and even depressed. They may feel many different emotions related to their sexuality, including desire, confusion, and fear.
How long should puberty last?
Once it begins, it lasts about 2 to 5 years. But every child is different. And there is a wide range of what is “normal.” Your boy may begin puberty a little earlier or later and finish sooner or later than his friends.