Understanding Adolescent Development and Puberty

1. What is Adolescence?

Adolescence is the stage that extends from approximately 12-13 years until the end of the second decade of life. It is a transition stage in which one is not a child, but in which one is not yet an adult. Erikson calls this status the waiting period that society gives to its young members as they prepare to exercise their adult roles. The incorporation of adolescents into adult status has been delayed considerably.

The Biological Process of Puberty

Puberty is a set of physical changes that, throughout the second decade of life, transforms the child's body into an adult body capable of reproduction; it is a universal phenomenon for all members of our species. The adolescent psychosocial period, which lasts several years, is characterized by the transition from childhood to adulthood and is therefore not universal in all cultures, nor does it always adopt the pattern it takes in ours. During puberty, a series of physical changes and physical transformation processes occur.

Physical Changes in Boys

In boys, the first manifestation of changes is the beginning of the growth of the testicles, followed often by the emergence of pubic hair, penile growth, and a change in voice. The hair begins to emerge in the armpits and the skin between the upper lip and nasal base. Furthermore, they produce sperm and the first emission of semen, which can be induced or spontaneous. As pubic hair growth is pigmented, it heightens its velocity. It continues with the maximum growth of the penis and testicles and then an increased emission of sperm. Finally, by growing underarm hair, a beard grows and the voice changes. From there, the growth decelerates.

Physical Changes in Girls

In girls, change begins with the rounding of the hips and the first breast buds together with the emergence of non-pigmented pubic hair; the uterus, vagina, labia, and clitoris later increase in size. Pubic hair grows faster, pigment develops in the breast areola, and nipples gain pigmentation. Subsequently, pigmented axillary hair growth starts. The growth rate reaches its highest elevation, and the first menstruation is given. It finishes growing pubic hair, the breast acquires adult conformation, and axillary hair growth completes its growth. The speed of growth then decelerates.

Developmental Age Ranges

For boys, these changes typically occur from ages 12-13 up to 16-18. For girls, the range is usually from 10-11 to 14-16.