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Adolesence. HBSE II – Session 6. Adolescence – Physical Changes. Early: 11-14 years Middle: 15-18 years Late: 18-21 years
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Adolesence HBSE II – Session 6
Adolescence – Physical Changes • Early: 11-14 years • Middle: 15-18 years • Late: 18-21 years Adolescence has been described as a “socially constructed” age; it has a universal cultural context – the transition from childhood to adulthood. The one we recognize now in the western industrialized world was created in the late 19th century: 1) extended formal schooling; 2) prolonged economic dependency
Adolescence – Physical Changes • Puberty: • Physical growth • Secondary sex characteristics • Reproductive capacity • Menarche • First menstruation • Average age of onset: 12-15 years; varies significantly across global comparisons • Does not indicate fertility – may occur much later – pelvic bones of average female cannot sustain a normal pregnancy until about 16-17 years of age
Adolescence - Psychological • Recapitulation of infancy (struggle to regain mastery; individuate; preoccupation with the present) – Freud, Mahler et al • Identity formation: Identity vs. role diffusion (Erikson); resolve identities in both the individual and social spheres (who am I? Who do people think I am?) • “Disorders of the self”: vulnerable to low self-esteem, lack of goals, immobilization or dangerous acting out and risk-taking behaviors
Adolescence - Sexuality • Sexual identity development: cultural context for sexual experimentation, role play • Dominant heterosexual culture demands conformity – how does someone develop an alternative sexual identity? • “Coming out” – stage linear theory: 1) self-labeling, disclosure to others, public disclosure • Gender differences in sexual identity development • Racial/ethnic differences in non-heterosexual identity development • Little research on transgender identity development
Adolescence – Racial/ethnic Identity Development • Socio-cultural context • Stage theory: Phinney • “Unexamined ethnic identity” – lack of self-awareness; minimal conflict • “Ethnic identity search” – period of exploration, may be discomfort because of conflicts, oppositional identity • “achieved ethnic identity” – positive attitude towards one’s own identity, sense of belonging
Adolescence – Changing Significance of Attachment • Desire for independence, peer group, identity, interest in sexuality • Parents and other authority figures are less significant • Parental role shifts • Developmental differences in life stage between parents and adolescents • “Separation-individuation” process requires parents to set goals for independence and autonomy; parents can provide a secure base; adolescents move away from being cared for to taking on caretaking roles themselves
Adolescence - Challenges • Teen pregnancy • Teen pregnancy rates in the US have declined steadily: 117 per 1000 in 1990 to 67 per 1000 in 2010 (37% decline) • 86% is attributable to use of contraception • 59% of teen pregnancies end in birth; 30% in abortion • International Comparison: • Canada (27 per 1000) • Sweden (31 per 1000) • What factors are involved in teen pregnancy?