Section 2:1 Growth Patterns
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Adolescent Growth Patterns
Physical
Hormone production increases.
Primary sex characteristics develop.
Reproductive organs mature.
Secondary sex characteristics develop.
Hair grows under the arms and in the pubic area.
Male voice lowers in pitch.
Males develop facial hair and hair on chest.
Breast formation increases in females.
Females experience widening of hips.
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Intellectual
Formal thinking skills increase.
Abstract ideas are used.
Logical reasoning improves.
Ability to visualize the future increases.
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Social
Social skills improve.
More ideas are shared.
Others’ viewpoints are considered.
Cooperation to complete a task increases.
Close relationships with peers develop.
Personal identity is formed.
Personal standards develop.
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Emotional
Intense emotions are felt and expressed.
Emotions fluctuate.
Ability to verbally identify emotions increases.
Ability to control emotional behavior increases.
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2-1
Growth patterns explain the unique way teens grow. In each of these areas, teens grow and develop at their own rate.
Physical Development
Physical growth patterns are the easiest
to observe during your teen years. Physical
development refers to the growth of your body.
Growth affects your internal body systems
as well as your height and weight. Physical
growth and development continues from birth to
adulthood.
Adolescent Growth Spurt
Growth patterns during the teen years
include dramatic physical changes. Sudden
growth as early as age 11 for girls and age 13 for
boys marks the beginning of these changes. This
is called the adolescent growth spurt. Noticeable
body changes occur during this growth period.