Hefty Impacts of Physical Development in Adolescents- What & How!

A child's physical and psychological growth happens throughout this stage. Changes in behavior are frequent throughout this stage. Teenagers frequently lose their temper and are anxious all the time. Adolescents find this stage challenging because of all these changes.  

Important physical changes occur during adolescence. Puberty is the most significant bodily change. The beginning of puberty marks the beginning of a child's body's transition to maturity. The male and female reproductive systems undergo physical changes during puberty that enable people to reproduce. The basic and secondary sexual traits both develop throughout puberty along with other physical changes.

Let's look at the main effects of physical development in adolescence 

The development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics is one of the physical changes associated with puberty.

Secondary and Primary Sexual Features

Secondary sexual characteristics develop during puberty, whereas primary sexual characteristics are processes connected to the sex organs that are present at birth and mature when sex hormones are produced.

Changes in Male

Primary Sexual Characteristics 

 

  • The penis and testicles grow larger
  • Sperm production begins
  • prostate gland secretions
Secondary Sexual Characteristics 

 

  • pubic and armpit hair; growth of the chest
  • Due to changes in the larynx, the voice becomes deeper

Changes in Female

Primary Sexual Characteristics 

 

  • Ovulation takes place
  • begins to menstruate ( periods) 
  • The uterus and vagina expand

 

Secondary Sexual Characteristics 

 

  • Breasts grow
  • Pubic and armpit hair growth
  • Body changes: Waist narrows and hips broaden

 

An increase in hormone production controls puberty. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate growth and development and are generated by glands.

Let's see how these physical developments in adolescence have a big impact!

  • Menstruation, weight growth, and breast development are the key problems and challenges for female young adolescents, and the majority of them see these things negatively.
  • Feeling emotional during menstruation, crying for no apparent reason, and believing that something bad has occurred. 
  • Talking about periods with their male friends or instructors causes them embarrassment.
  • They are scared of talking about periods openly with their parents or friends.
  • All of the above are normal things, but as teens go through puberty, they start to think differently because they desire to compare themselves to others. They frequently use these distinctions to justify their own deficiencies and feelings of inadequacy.

  • It is our duty as parents, educators, or mentors to be aware of the profound influence that bodily changes have on teenagers' development and to help them understand these changes in the proper perspective. To reduce their fears and worries, we can encourage teens to discuss these issues with their parents, friends, or siblings and to communicate their sentiments to them. We can also give them factual information.

Development of Teens 

Physical development in adolescence  

The body experiences more developmental change in early adolescence than at any other time, with the exception of birth. The growth rate is quick and uneven, and each person experiences change at a different pace. Along with modifications to the skeletal and muscular systems, increases in weight, height, and internal organ size are examples of physical alterations.


All people may see physical changes, which emphasise their scope and rate of change. Teenagers may occasionally experience this as being more or less mature than others. Growth streams in girls' physical development happen roughly two years earlier than in boys.

Mental development of adolescence 


The end outcome of a process that involves thinking, reasoning, and perception is understanding. Adolescence brings about physical changes to the brain that correspond to typical stages of cognitive development. They are distinguished by the growth of higher-order cognitive abilities that correspond to the alterations in the structure and operation of the brain.


The potential for improved memory and processing is impacted by anatomical and functional changes in the brain. Risk-taking and heightened sensitivity to mental illness are two further factors that may increase vulnerability.


Emotional Development of adolescence 


The internal thoughts and feelings that a person has about themselves and other people are crucial to their emotional growth. Due to the rapid changes going on, adolescence is a particularly important time for developing and displaying personal emotional assets, including resilience, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms.


In this case, parents should supervise their teens and talk openly about everything. Be your teen's best friend and ask them to share their feelings. Remember, communication plays a vital role in solving every problem.

Behavioural Change 


Teenagers frequently exhibit mood swings, disrespect, and defiance because puberty causes hormonal shifts and a period of rapid brain development. Teenagers may also have a short fuse as they start to crave independence and privacy. 



Develop a relationship of trust with your adolescent. Any partnership needs trust to succeed. You need to gain your teen's trust if you want them to listen to you or take what you say seriously. Keep an open line of communication with your kid and discuss significant details about your life and work. When your teen sees that you trust them, they will be more willing to open up to you about their lives.