Life Span Development II School Age and Adolescence

Life Span Development II: School age and Adolescence 3 (2+1)

Lesson 17 : Pubertal changes and their effects on adolescent personality

Early maturation in girls

They are physically more advanced than their female age mates. On the other hand they look like a more grown up woman and may find herself emotionally unequipped to deal with sophisticated social activities and sexual enticements.

Studies show that early maturing girls tend to feel

• Embarrassed
• Isolated, as their peers are not at the same stage of development and often teased by others.
• Tend to feel awkward and self conscious, however these feelings are temporary, as once the others reach puberty, they experience a great deal of popularity among girls as well as boys.
• Feel unattractive as they gain more weight, increased body fat than the normal puberty
• At risk for eating disorders and disturbances
• Magnify preexisting behavioual problems. Girls with earlier problems have the most difficulty in adjusting than the late mature girls.

On the other hand, some studies show that early maturing girls

Are more popular Have more older friends Gain more attention from older boys Enjoy greater prestige Self confidence Academic achievement.