Adolescent Growth and Development by Angela Huebner.ppt

Adolescent Growth and Development Angela Huebner, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Human Development Virginia Tech ahuebner@vt.edu 703.538-8491 February 7, 2008 Period of Adolescence Rapid growth Interaction of physical, psychological, and environmental factors Off timing of systems Dahl, 2004 Puberty Physical growth Emotion and behavior regulation Importance of understanding interaction of all the systems; Transitions all occur sequentially but not necessarily at the same time What’s the Big Deal? Adolescent morbidity Health Paradox Dahl, 2004 : Developmental period of strength and resilience both physically and cognitively Yet, morbidity mortality rates increase 200% DIFFICULTIES IN CONTROLLING BEHAVIOR AND EMOTION Overview I. Physical Development II. Cognitive Development III. Psycho-Social Development I. Physical Development Height Weight Changes Secondary Sex Characteristics Continued Brain Development Rapid Gains in Height Weight 4.1 to 3.5 inches per year Girls mature about 2 years earlier than boys Weight gain muscles for boys; fat for girls Secondary Sex Characteristics: Pubic hair Menarche or penis growth Voice changes for boys Underarm hair Facial hair growth for boys Increased production of oil, sweat glands, acne Continued Brain Development Not completely developed until late adolescence Emotional, physical and mental abilities incomplete May explain why some seem inconsistent in controlling emotions, impulses, and judgements Understanding the Adolescent Brain Advances in brain imaging allow for better understanding of what occurs Evidence for frontal lobe delays Inability to delay gratification; impulse control Suggestion that puberty represents a period of synaptic reorganization and as a consequence the brain might be more sensitive to experiential input at this period of time in the realm of executive function and social cognition Prefrontal cortex of interest Brain: Developmental Changes Synaptogenesis: prol