Adolescence is a stage of dramatic growth differences in boys and girls with their outward physical appearance affecting them emotionally and socially. Boys grow big and strong with the wider shoulders, increased muscle mass, longer arms, longer legs, and longer torsos. Girls grow curvy with breast development, wider pelvis regions, and an extra layer of body fat covering the abdomen, hips and bottom. With the physical changes comes the hormones which stimulate the growth of sex organs to their functional level. Boy’s primary hormone would be testosterone which is a risk taking and aggression chemical. The girls attain a plethora of hormones needed for the reproduction including estrogen, progesterone and oxytocin. Estrogen and progesterone are known to come in waves on a monthly base and is known for its effects on emotions and sensitivity. “Oxytocin is a natural secreted chemical of bonding and while boys will reach out it is the girls that want and need closeness.”(Abrams, 2002, p. 488)
With this outward growth also come the psychological and societal changes. “Research consistently finds that boys gain confidence and self-esteem during adolescence, whereas girls experience a dramatic decline in these arenas.”(Abrams, 2002, p. 487) While this is the age of finding one’s self there is a strong desire to be accepted by one’s peers. As boys mature they tend to look older with their facial and body hair, more athletic with increased muscle stature, and dominate with their hormonal changes. Others in their peer groups may look up to them or see themselves as equals, and adults may give more responsibilities or freedoms. Girls see themselves more questionably, will they get to fat, are their breast to small, are their hips to big, body hair yes they have it but they defiantly don’t want it, is their skin soft enough, are they in the right fashion. Their peer groups are comparative and parents typically continue a role of protection or limitation. References
Abrams, L. S. (2002). Puberty, Sexuality, and the Self Girls and Boys at Adolescence. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 19, 487-490.