Section 3.3 Adolescence

1.2. Psychological effect of physical changes

Irrespective of being an early or late maturer, a youngster will often experience social and psychological consequences of the physical changes on his or her body. During the adolescence period, adolescents are acutely aware of the physical changes they experience; for instance, they believe that everyone watches them and that their bodies constantly betray them.

Girls worry about menarche, and it is a negative experience especially when it begins at a very early age. They experience a high level of depression, especially those who had not been prepared for menstruation. On the other hand, girls who are prepared for this event usually accept it as a sign of femininity.

The physical changes also result in an increase in social maturity. Boys get concerned very much with the uncontrolled erection of the penis and ejaculation. Although most boys are proud of this ability and see it as a sign of virility, the inability to control erection leads to embarrassment. Nocturnal emissions also make some boys feel humiliated and guilty. Uncontrolled erections make some boys afraid of participating in activities (dancing).