Puberty, a period of rapid physical and sexual maturation, is an important marker of the beginning of adolescence. I have a great idea for a teaching doll to prepare pre-adolescents for the physical changes that are about to happen. Ready? Here it is: Winnie the Pooh-berty Bear! He could include features like a cracking voice, acne onset, etc. I haven’t yet marketed this idea, so if any of you want to take the idea and run with it, go ahead. Just make sure I get mentioned in the credits.
The book discusses various aspects of the physical changes that occur in early adolescence and how hormones trigger these changes. I might add a few additional thoughts about body image. Though the specific focus in this module is on adolescence, this topic is relevant for extended years. Psychology Today has conducted several surveys off their readership over the past few decades. Though not a representative sample of the U.S. population, some of the results are insightful. For example: Compared with earlier surveys, body dissatisfaction is soaring. Almost 90% of female respondents said they want to lose weight. Fifteen percent of the women and 11 percent of the men said they would sacrifice more than 11 years of their lives to be the weight they want. While body dissatisfaction stays about the same as women age, women are being initiated into feelings of body hatred at an earlier age. Teasing during childhood or adolescence has a lasting effect on women’s feelings about their body. Respondents said that exercising is the most reliable way to develop positive feelings about one’s body. Models in the media continue to have a large effect on the way women see themselves. Media models make more than 4 out of 10 women feel insecure. Though not a scholarly journal, Ladies Home Journal conducted a body image survey and, among other results, found that 87% of the women in their survey believed that it’s more acceptable for men to go gray and get out of shape than it is for women. Seventy-five percent said they would rather have a root canal than wear a thong bikini!
Note the material beginning on pages 205-206 related to early and late maturation. The third paragraph in that section (beginning with “Research has demonstrated mental health problems…”) presents some important and disturbing findings regarding challenges faced by early-maturing girls. I hope you will ponder this information a bit. Does it make sense to you? How do you respond to it? What can be done to counteract the potential negative effects of early maturation?
As you read through the section on Adolescent sexual development and sexual activity, note the section on adolescent pregnancy. I would add a few additional thoughts about some socio-psychological factors related to adolescent sexual behavior. A review of the literature on this topic raises several interesting points. For example, in one study, smoking was the best predictor of sixth graders’ engaging in sexual intercourse, regardless of ethnicity or gender. Several studies highlight the clear link between alcohol or substance abuse with sexual risk behaviors. Physical and sexual abuse can lead to increased high risk sexual activity. Peer relations certainly influence adolescent sexual activity. Good parent-child relations, academic aspirations and sports participation can promote sexually healthy decisions by teens.
One study from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center found that misplaced macho attitudes are undermining the sexual health of adolescent boys. Teenage boys who hold traditional and outdated notions of “what it means to be a man” may neglect seeking medical help concerning their sexual health, because it would be seen as a sign of weakness. Many sexually transmitted infections can be treated quickly and effectively, but some young men choose not to seek help from parents or doctors in a timely manner.
Which leads me to offer a few suggestions for parents as primary sex educators of their children. 1.Keep it casual. 2. Maintain eye contact (avoiding eye contact suggests embarrassment or discomfort ). 3. Use natural cues around you (when watching TV or a movie, you could ask later “What might you do if you were ever in that situation?). 4. Use your own experiences. 5. Explain your values. 6. Avoid conversation stoppers (like arguing, criticizing, not listening to them, etc.). 7. Avoid awkward moments (if you’re uncomfortable, say so; if you don’t know the answer to something, admit it).
In general, remember that good sex education provides accurate, fact-based information, is age appropriate, acknowledges individuality, and meets people “where they’re at.”
This chapter also highlights information about adolescent sleep (page 208), eating disorders (page 210), high school dropouts (page 25), teenagers and working (page 216) , and teenage driving (page 217). Good points are made regarding proper nutrition and exercise and sleep–are you getting enough rest? (at least you can fall asleep in this class and I’ll never know it). Some have noted that the three leading causes of death in adolescence are unintentional injuries, homicide and suicide.
The last section I want to emphasize in this chapter deals with adolescent egocentrism on page 213. David Elkind, a child psychologist, brought this meaningful concept to the attention of many through his research and writings. Please note two of the main characteristics of adolescent egocentrism: imaginary audience and personal fable. The author defines these key concepts well. To summarize, imaginary audience leads an adolescent to believe that “everyone is always watching me” and personal fable leads them to believe (regarding the consequences of risks), “it will never happen to me.” I encourage you to really think about these concepts. Perhaps these ways of adolescent cognitive development might explain risky behaviors you or your friends have engaged in. Ever do anything reckless that you now look back on and wonder “why did I do that?!”
Connected with the notion of adolescent egocentrism, I would add these 6 general characteristics: Finding fault with authority figures, argumentativeness, self-consciousness, self-centeredness, indecisiveness, and apparent hypocrisy. As I consider these attitudinal and behavioral manifestations, I can’t help but think of even some older adults who still exhibit these adolescent characteristics. Do people come to your mind who seem to have gotten stuck in adolescence? Interesting indeed.
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