Question 1a: Chapter 11 discusses many of the physical changes associated with adolescence. Summarize the hormonal changes that occur in male and female adolescents, including an explanation of the role of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. Then, provide a specific example of how a physical change may influence the body image of an adolescent (male or female) both positively and negatively
The first significant hormonal change in girls is the development of breasts followed by the development of the pubic hair. The underarm arm hair also starts to grow mainly from the age of thirteen years and above. The onset of menstruation is a very significant change as it signifies the development and the maturation of the reproductive system. In males, there is the enlargement of the testicles and after about one year, the penis also starts to enlarge. The same case as it is with females, pubic hair and the underarm hair also begins to develop. Most importantly, there is the deepening of the voice and development of acne on the face. Lastly, adolescent males begin to experience nocturnal emissions or wet dreams (CROOKS & BAUR, 2007).
Hypothalamus plays such a significant role in the adolescence stage since it increases its secretions and the same has got an effect to the pituitary glands. The increased secretions make the pituitary glands to increase gonadotropins. Consequently, the increased hormones affect the gonads and there is an increased production of reproductive hormones; testosterone and estrogen in males and females respectively. Boys and girls are affected by the changes differently because early maturation in boys is taken positively while in girls it is taken negatively. In boys, physical changes affect the body image positively as they are always eager to become grown up men. On the contrary, the changes may have a negative effect on girls’ image especially when they do not get enough support from the community. For instance, a girl taller than her peers is usually not comfortable while a boy taller than his peers is usually very proud as body size is highly regarded among males.
Question 1 b: In Chapter 11, the author discusses shifts in cognition typical of adolescence. Define adolescent egocentrism, and describe its two components. Then, discuss a specific example demonstrating how adolescent egocentrism affects the way in which adolescents view themselves and their surroundings.
Adolescent egocentrism refers to the belief of teenagers which makes them to assume that they are unique especially after attaining new mental abilities. More specifically, the condition is characterized by self consciousness and the belief that other people are interested in the thoughts and the behaviors of the adolescents. Adolescence egocentrism has got two components which are inclusive of imaginary audience as well as the personal fable as studies of Crooks & Baur (2007).
Imaginary audience as highlighted earlier refers to the perception held by teenagers that everyone is keenly staring at them to notice their shortcomings as well as their achievements. For example, in a gathering, an adolescent with a certain disability is always certain that everyone in the gathering is noticing the disability while people may be too busy to notice anything. As a result, such a teenager may be shy affecting his or her performance as well as the interaction with other people. Personal fable refers to the belief that adolescents are unique and there is no one who can match their abilities. Due to their perceived uniqueness, teenagers believe that no one can understand them and as a result, they may end up being isolated or secluded. Consequently, it is usually pretty hard for the adolescents to seek for advice from their parents, teachers and other people in the community as they believe that they cannot be understood. Therefore, adolescence egocentrism is one of the very many issues that affect adolescents in the way they view themselves and other people in the society as illustrated in the study.
Reference
Crooks, R. & Baur, K. ( 2007). Our Sexuality. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
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