Human Growth and Development / Unit 9 HGD 1225 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Early and Late Maturers
The idea
Two hypotheses explain timing effects: early timing itself is harmful, or being off-time in either direction is. Early-maturing girls show more risk taking, earlier sex, tobacco and alcohol use, depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Early-maturing boys show more risk taking, drug use and sexual partners. Late-maturing boys show more depressive symptoms and less activity. On balance, on-time or late maturation is easier than early.
In practice
A twelve-year-old who looks sixteen drawing the attention of older teens and adults before she is ready for it.
Where people slip
The misconception is that early puberty is an advantage. Problems seem to stem from a mismatch between how a child looks and how she thinks and acts: adults may assume more capability than she has. Warmth, communication and parental knowledge of a teen's life protect against these risks.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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