Similarities and Differences in Adolescent Development (Gender)

Similarities and Differences in Adolescent Development (Gender)

Introduction (experience of being an adolescent the same for males and females)

Adolescent is a period which can be very exciting and yet confusing a t the same time for almost every teenager experiencing the phase. Adolescence is a period in which the body experiences development in the form of biological, psychological, sexual and social changes. These changes start immediately when the child reaches puberty. The range of Adolescence varies according to differing sources and medical opinions, and by different scientific and psychological factors, but falls between the start of 10 to 12 years, and completes at the age of 19 or 20 (Constantinople, A. 1973).

Similarities and differences in Adolescents in respect to gender Adolescence are characterized by physical growth and cognitive development. This is the phase of human development situated between childhood and adulthood. This transition is both physical and psychological, which should be considered a result of biological, cultural and social influences. Many cultures differ on what is the age at which people become adults. Although there is no consensus on the age at which adolescence ends, psychologists such as Erik Erikson believe that adolescence ranges from twelve or thirteen to twenty or twenty years. According to Erik Erikson, this time from 13 to 21 years is the quest for identity as the individual struggles to define his entire adult life being fully consolidated with the character from age 21.

Sexual development

The phase of Adolescence differs to quite an extend when it comes to gender. This change is apparent from the onset of puberty.

Women

The maximum changes occurring during the Adolescent phase and are different from the phase boys' experience. The first identifiable change in most of the girls is the appearance of mammary glands. Adolescence in women begins at ...