What is puberty in psychology?

Puberty is the period of several years in which rapid physical growth and psychological changes occur, culminating in sexual maturity. While the sequence of physical changes in puberty is predictable, the onset and pace of puberty vary widely.

How is puberty defined?

Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. The first sign of puberty is usually breast development. Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.

Is puberty biologically defined?

From a biological perspective, puberty is the stage of physical maturation in which an individual becomes physiologically capable of sexual reproduction. The resultant increase in sex steroid production will ensure the appearance and maintenance of sexual characteristics and the capacity for reproduction.

How is puberty measured?

Tanner staging from a physical examination of the adolescent is considered to be the gold standard measurement of pubertal stage (12). There are five stages, separately defined for boys and girls, determined by pubic hair growth for both sexes and breast and testicular development for girls and boy respectively.

What are the problems of puberty?

Problems in Puberty. Puberty is the time in a person’s life when his or her body changes from child to adult, accompanied by the process of sexual maturation. Puberty is caused by changes in hormones and includes both physical and emotional growth. Problems with puberty require the clinical care of a physician or other health care professional.

What psychological changes occur during puberty?

During puberty, hormones and chemicals are released into the body, which can result in psychological changes. These may include: Mood Swings. Tiredness. Sadness. Irritability. Anger.

What are the stages of puberty?

Puberty is divided into stages – though it is short period in the life span, it is subdivided into three stages namely the prepubescent stage, the pubescent stage and the post pubescent stage. PUBERTY.

What is normal puberty?

Puberty generally begins later in boys, at an average age of 11 1/2 to 12 years, with a “normal” range being considered from 9 to 14. The first sign of puberty in boys is an increase in the size of the testicles.