The physical changes that occur during adolescence are greater than those of any other time of

life, with the exception of infancy in some ways however, the changes in adolescence are more
dramatic than those that occur in infancy unlike infants, adolescents are aware of the changes
that are taking place and of what the changes mean.

Puberty begins:

Puberty: is a period of rapid growth and sexual development that begins in adolescence and start at
some point between ages 8 and 14. while the sequence of physical changes in puberty predictable, the
onset and pace of puberty vary widely. Every person individual timetable for puberty is different and is
primarily influenced by heredity; however environmental factors-such as diet and exercise also exert
some influence.

Adolescence has evolved historically with evidence indicating that this stage is lengthening as individuals
starts puberty earlier and transition to adulthood later than in the past. Puberty today begins on average
at age 10 to 11 years for girls and 11 to 12 years for boys. This average age of onset has decrease
gradually overtime since the 19 century by 3 to 4 months per decade, which has been attributed to a
range of factors including better nutrition, obesity, increase father absence, and other environmental
factors (Steinberg, 2013). Completion of formal education, financial independence from parents,
marriage and parenthood have all been makers of the end of adolescence and beginning of adulthood,
and all of these transitions happen on average, later now than in the past . in fact, the prolonging of
adolescence has prompted the introduction of a new developmental period called emerging adulthood
that captures these developmental changes out of adolescence and into adulthood occurring from
approximately ages 18 to 29. Puberty involves distinctive physiological changes individual’s height,
weight, body composition, circulatory and respiratory systems and during this time both the adrenal
glands and sex glands mature. These changes are largely influenced by hormonal activity. Many
hormones contribute to the beginning of puberty, but most notably a major rush of estrogen for girls
and testosterone for boys. Hormones play an organizational role (priming the body to behave in a
certain way once puberty begins) and an activational role (triggering certain behavioral and physical
changes). During puberty, the adolescent’s hormonal balance shifts strongly towards an adult state; the
process is triggered by the pituitary gland, which secretes a surge of hormonal agents into the blood
stream and initiates a chain reaction.

Sexual Maturation

During puberty primary and Secondary sex characteristics develop and mature.

Primary sex characteristics are organs specifically needed for reproduction, The uterus and Ovaries in
Females and Testes in Males.

Secondary Sex Characteristics are physical signs of sexual maturation that do not directly involve sex
organs, such as: development of breast and hips in Girls and Development of Facial hair and deepened
voice in Boys, both sexes experience development of pubic and underarm hair as well as increase
development of sweat glands, the male and female gonads are activated by the surge of the hormones
discussed earlier which put them into a rapid growth and development, the testes primarily releases
testosterone and the ovaries release estrogen, the production of these hormones increases gradually
until sexual maturation is met.

For girls, observable changes begin with nipple growth and pubic hair, then the body increases in height
while fat forms particularly on the breast and hips. The first menstrual period (Menarch) is followed by
more growth which is usually completed by four years after the first menstrual period begins, girls
experience menarch usually around 12 – 13 years old, for boys the usual sequence is growth of the
testes initial pubic hair growth, growth of the penis, first ejaculation of seminal fluid (spermarch)
appearance of facial hair, a peak growth spot, deepening of the voice, and final pubic hair growth, boys
experience spermarch their first ejaculation around 13 – 14 years old.

Before puberty there is nearly no difference between males and females in the distribution of fat and
muscles, during puberty males grow muscles much faster than females and females experience a higher
increase in body fat and bones become harder and more brittle. An adolescent’s heart and lungs
increases in both size and capacity during puberty, these changes contribute to increased strength and
tolerant in exercise.

Reaction Towards Puberty and Physical development

The accelerated growth in different body part happens at different times but for all adolescent it has a
fairly regular sequence, the first place to grow are the extremities (Head, Hands, and Feet) followed by
the Arms and legs and later the torso shoulder, this non-uniform growth is one reason why an
adolescent body may seem out of proportion. Additionally because rate of physical development vary
widely among teenagers, puberty can be a source of pride and embarrassment. Most adolescent want
nothing more than to fit in and not be distinguished from their pairs in any way, shape or form. So, when
a child develops earlier or later than his or her peers, there can be long lasting effect on mental health,
simply put, beginning puberty earlier than peers present great challenges particularly for girls, the
picture for early developing boys isn’t as clear but evidence suggest that they too eventually might
supper ill effect from maturing ahead of their pairs, the biggest challenges for boys, however seem to be
related to late development.

Early maturation boys tend to be stronger and taller and more athletic than their later maturing peers,
they are usually more popular, confident, and independent but they are also at greater risk for
substance abuse and early sexual activity, additionally more recent research found that while early-
maturing boys initially have lower levels of depression than later-maturing boys, over time they show
signs of increased anxiety, negative self image and interpersonal stress.

Early maturing girls may be teased or overtly admired, which can cause them to feel self-conscious
about their developing bodies. Thes girls are at increased risk of a range of psychosocial problems
including depression, substance, and early sexual behavior, these girls are also at a higher risk for eating
disorder.
Late blooming boys and girls (i.e they develop more slowly than their peers) may feel self-conscious
about their lack of physical development. negative feelings are particularly a problem for late
maturation boys who are at a higher risk for depression and conflict with their parents, and more likely
to be bullied.