Lesson 5.3
Changes in
Adolescence
By Carone
Fitness
Changes During Adolescence
Changes During Adolescence
Adolescence is the stage between
childhood and adulthood. During this
stage, many changes occur in order for
you to reach adulthood. That is one
reason many consider it the best and
the worst of times. The changes you
have experienced or will experience
are physical, mental, emotional, and
social in nature.
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Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
Adolescence begins between the ages
of 9-13 years old, as a child goes
through puberty.
Puberty is the period of time when
males and females become physically
able to reproduce. This occurs as the
result of the release of hormones.
Testosterone is the male hormone,
and estrogen and progesterone are
the female hormones.
Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
These hormones lead to the
development of sex
characteristics.
Sex characteristics are those
traits related to one’s gender.
There are two categories of
sex characteristics: primary
and secondary.
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Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
Primary sex characteristics
are the traits that are directly
linked to the production of
reproductive cells.
For males, this is the
production of sperm. Puberty
for males is marked by the
production of sperm by the
testes.
Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
For females, puberty begins with the
maturing of the ova, or eggs. Females
are born with all the ova that they will
ever have, but the ova don’t mature
until puberty. Therefore, puberty for
females is marked by ovulation.
Ovulation is when a mature egg is
released from the ovary.
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Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
Secondary sex characteristics are
the traits that help distinguish between
males and females, but are not directly
linked to the reproductive system.
For males these characteristics include
muscle development, broadening of
the chest, and deepening of the voice.
Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
For females, these
characteristics include body
hair, widening of the hips, and
the development of breasts.
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Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
These physical changes are often
considered embarrassing by teens. For
example, Trina felt self-conscious
because she was so much taller than
her classmates. Tim was humiliated
because his voice would “crack” when
he talked.
Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
Keep in mind that these
changes are normal and that
these experiences are
temporary and resolve
themselves as time goes on.
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Changes During Adolescence
Physical Changes
Keep in mind that, because of these
physical changes, you will also need to
give more attention to your personal
hygiene. The hormones being
produced cause you to sweat more,
and they may cause acne as well.
Therefore, you now need to be sure to
shower daily, wash your face often,
and wear deodorant. You may want to
begin shaving. Also, continue to brush
and floss your teeth at least twice a
day.
Changes During Adolescence
Mental Changes
During adolescence your brain
reaches its adult size and
weight. This allows you to
reason better, memorize
things more easily, predict
outcomes to situations, and
think logically. Therefore, you
are equipped with the ability to
solve more complicated
problems that have many
different solutions.
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Changes During Adolescence
Mental Changes
These mental changes may also result
in the discovery of new hobbies and
interests. Career goals often bud as you
make plans for your future.
Changes During Adolescence
Emotional Changes
Along with physical growth spurts,
adolescence comes with spurts of
energy and strong emotions.
You may begin to feel as if you are on
an emotional roller coaster. One
minute you feel like you are on top of
the world, but the next minute you are
down in the dumps. Family and friends
can provide support for you during
these confusing times.
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Changes During Adolescence
Social Changes
During adolescence you have
an increased ability to see
past yourself to consider the
point of view of others. This
will help you to understand the
needs of others and to
improve your ability to feel
more deeply for others.
Changes During Adolescence
Social Changes
Friends and the acceptance of
peers also become more
important to the individual.
Those around you will
challenge you to see what you
will stand up for, what you
believe, and what you think is
right or wrong.
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Changes During Adolescence
Social Changes
It is also during adolescence
that you will experience the
journey of discovering your
personal identity.
Your personal identity is the
unique set of traits and
characteristics that make you
unlike anyone else.
Changes During Adolescence
Social Changes
Your personal identity is
centered on your selfconcept, or how you perceive
yourself. Your personal
identity also impacts other
important developmental tasks
that you achieve during
adolescence.
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Changes During Adolescence
Developmental Tasks
These developmental tasks include:
 Forming mature relationships with
other people your age and of both
genders.
 Achieving a masculine or feminine
social role.
 Accepting your own physique.
 Achieving emotional independence
from parents and other adults.
Changes During Adolescence
Developmental Tasks
 Acquiring a set of personal
standards as a guide to
behavior.
 Being able to cope with
success and failure.
 Becoming motivated to
help others attain their
goals.
 Developing problemsolving skills.
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Presented
By Carone
Fitness
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