Puberty is a time of physical and emotional development marking the transition from childhood to adolescence. The effects of puberty are both physiological and psychological.
Responses to Hormones
Once puberty begins, the body begins producing reproductive hormones, which are responsible for the mood swings, or mood changes, so commonly seen during this stage of human development.
Mental Development
During puberty, and particularly during adolescence, the brain is also growing and developing. Despite their tendency toward impulsiveness, adolescents have a more sophisticated ability to reason and form opinions than children.
Heightened Self-Awareness
One of the most common effects of puberty is a sense of heightened self-awareness, or self-consciousness. Puberty brings many physical changes, and adolescents become aware, for the first time, that these changes are not only noticeable to themselves but to others as well.
Physical Development
Many physical changes of puberty, including increased body odor and acne, can be a source of embarrassment and can increase feelings of self-consciousness.
Increased Need For Independence
Puberty is a time of self-discovery and many adolescents experience a desire to distance themselves from their parents. While this can be a frustrating situation for their parents, the adolescnet's need to be viewed as a separate, unique individual is a normal part of the process of growing into adulthood.
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