Growth and Development in Adolescents
Growth in adolescence refers to the physical changes that occur during this period of development.
These changes are influenced by hormones and genetics.
Development in adolescence refers to the psychological, emotional, and social changes that occur during this period.
These changes are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors
Biological, psychological, and cognitive changes that commence in puberty and persist throughout adolescence significantly impact nutritional status and nutrient needs. Adolescents undergo physical growth and development during puberty, increasing their requirements for energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Concurrently, they experience notable changes in their ability to assess information, seek independence, and become unique individuals. The heightened need for energy and nutrients, coupled with increasing financial independence, autonomy in food choices, and immature cognitive abilities, places adolescents in potentially distressing and costly situations with long-lasting repercussions.
Changes during Adolescence
Physical Changes
1. Growth of Reproductive Organs: Primary and secondary sex characteristics mark the physical changes, with adolescence transitioning from childhood to physical maturity.
- Primary Sex Characteristics:
- In girls, the onset of the menstrual period.
- In boys, enlargement of the penis and testicles, accompanied by sperm production.
- Secondary Sex Characteristics:
- Girls: Breast development, pubic hair growth, hip fat deposition, voice softening, changes in body image, weight gain, and height increase.
- Boys: Voice deepening, facial and body hair growth, penile enlargement, erections, changes in body image, weight gain, and height increase.
2. Physiological Changes:
- Girls: Menstruation (menarche), acne, smooth skin appearance, and voice softening.
- Boys: Wet dreams, sperm production, decreased dependence on family, voice changes, and Adam’s apple development.
3. Psychological/Emotional Changes:
- Self-awareness of sexual needs.
- Interest in the opposite sex.
- Potential resistance, disobedience, hostility, and mood swings.
4. Sexual Changes:
- Awakening of sexual arousal.
- Masturbation.
- Attraction to the opposite/same sex, leading to behavioral changes.
5. Behaviour Changes:
- Formation of peer groups.
- Independence from family.
- Habit formation, including peer group associations, with possible involvement in activities like smoking and alcohol ingestion.
Adolescents’ Reactions to Change and Behaviours
Misconceptions/Myths Associated with Growth and Development
Females:
- Girls with big buttocks are presumed to be highly sexually active.
- The notion that smaller breasts are more desirable.
- Belief that engaging in sex can alleviate menstrual cramps.
- Incorrect association of menstrual cramps with infertility.
- Misunderstanding that the vagina is hollow, suggesting things can disappear in it.
- Girls can supposedly only get pregnant after a year of menstruation.
- Reliance on safe days as a contraception method.
- The misconception that girls with thin hips are considered more attractive.
- False belief that menstrual flow is unhygienic and results in unpleasant odors.
- Uncircumcised girls are thought to be restless and sexually aroused all the time.
- Girls starting menstruation are mistakenly assumed to have engaged in sexual intercourse.
- The belief that hip enlargement is solely due to sexual activity.
- False notion that menstrual flow leads to the loss of virginity (hymen).
- Girls with small breasts are incorrectly assumed to lack sufficient milk to feed their babies.
- Girls are perceived as never children; they are considered mature at any stage.
- Breasts are believed to enlarge when touched by men.
- A girl who does not give birth is compared to a mule with an arid womb.
- During the rainy season, it is wrongly believed that every woman becomes fertile.
- The idea that one should have children at a very young age.
- False belief that sexual intercourse helps in treating skin issues such as spots and pimples.
Males:
- The misconception that a larger penis is better.
- Belief that an erection implies the necessity for sexual activity.
- Boys not growing beards are considered not yet men.
- The misconception that only boys with hairy chests are considered attractive.
- Girls are believed to be attracted only to tall, masculine boys.
- Boys are thought to be capable of making girls pregnant only at the age of 18 years.
- Boys with big toes are falsely believed to have a large penis.
Problems Faced by Adolescents as a Result of Body Changes
- Adolescents are confronted with societal expectations, including the pressure to exhibit adult behaviour, such as specific clothing choices and maintaining a high standard of living.
- Emancipation from home becomes a challenge, coming from restrictions on activities like going out with members of the opposite sex, handling money, and coming home late. Adolescents may perceive these restrictions as excessive parental control.
- Relationships with peer groups become crucial for adolescents, and they may continue to value their group even if they face exclusion or rejection at home.
- Girls encounter various menstrual-related issues, acne problems, excessive sweating, vaginal discharge concerns, and changes in body size and shape during adolescence.
- Boys experience challenges such as wet dreams, frequent erections, and notable changes in body size and shape.
Solutions to the Problems
- Promote Open Communication: Encourage parents and guardians to engage in open and honest communication with adolescents to better understand their concerns and perspectives.
- Provide Comprehensive Education: Implement educational programs in schools that address not only the physical changes but also the emotional and psychological aspects of adolescence.
- Foster Supportive Peer Environments: Create a supportive atmosphere within peer groups and schools to help adolescents navigate challenges collectively.
- Offer Counseling Services: Establish accessible counselling services for adolescents to discuss their concerns, both related to body changes and broader life issues.
- Parental Guidance Workshops: Conduct workshops for parents to equip them with effective strategies for guiding adolescents through this transitional phase.
- Encourage Healthy Body Image: Promote positive body image through awareness campaigns to help adolescents accept and embrace their changing bodies.
- Flexible Parental Boundaries: Advocate for balanced parental boundaries that allow for independence while maintaining necessary guidelines to ensure safety.
- Incorporate Life Skills Education: Integrate life skills education into the curriculum, covering topics such as decision-making, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Community Involvement: Involve the community in supporting adolescents, fostering understanding, and creating an environment conducive to their healthy development.
- Accessible Health Resources: Ensure adolescents have access to health resources, including information about menstrual health, reproductive well-being, and mental health support.
