Page 111 - Understanding Psychology

Figure 4.3 Rates of Physical Development
Rapid physical changes occur during adolescence. Normally the changes that occur in adulthood are gradual. Why do you think there are psy- chological reactions to physical growth?
Adolescents usually want to be accepted by their peers. They conform to ideals of how a male or female their age should act, dress, and look. For both young men and women, there is a strong correlation between having a negative body image and feelings of depression (Rierden, Koff, & Stubbs, 1988). Adolescents are very aware of these rapid physical changes. They are very concerned that they measure up to idealized standards. As you can imagine, very few ever meet these expectations. Most adolescents mention physical appearance when they discuss what they do not like about them- selves. Most tend to evaluate themselves in terms of their culture’s body ideal. Youths of both sexes are particularly sensitive about any traits they possess that they perceive to be sex-inappropriate. For example, boys tend to be very shy about underdeveloped genitalia, lack of pubic hair, or fatty breasts. Girls are likely to be disturbed by underdeveloped breasts or dark facial hair.
Individual differences in growth significantly affect the personality of young adolescents. For example, research indicates that boys who mature early have an advantage. They become heroes in sports and leaders in formal and informal social activities. Other boys look up to them; girls have crushes on them; adults tend to treat them as more mature. As a result, they are generally more self-confident and independent than other boys. Some late-maturing boys may withdraw or rebel (Downs, 1990). The effects of late maturation for boys may last into young adulthood.
Variations in the rate of development continue to have an effect on males even into their thirties. Those who matured earlier have been found to have a higher occupational and social status than those who matured later. The correlation weakens, however, as males enter their forties (Jones, 1965).
With girls the pattern is somewhat different. Girls who mature early may feel embarrassed rather than proud of their height and figure at first. Some begin dating older boys and become bossy with people their own
Reading Check
How do female and male growth spurts differ?
Chapter 4 / Adolescence 97