• What are the advantages and disadvantages for early-versus late- maturing boys and girls?
Puberty is the stage of adolescence in which an individual becomes physiologically capable of sexual reproduction . Timing and puberty go hand in hand; the time in which a teen begins to go through puberty is a big characteristic on how the adolescent will react to it. Puberty can begin anywhere between ten and fourteen years of age. Puberty is a time in which change is constant in the teen’s lives in all aspects whether it is physical, emotional or social.
When it comes to boys, if they experience early maturation, it can be a positive thing. They can experience success in the athletic department as well as having high self esteem and may be more responsible and more willing to cooperate. On the down side they may be more likely to partake in delinquency and substance abuse, as well as have difficulties in school. Further more, it can be more difficult when boys experience late maturation. They can have a smaller build, therefore feeling less attractive and having lower self esteem. They could also experience disadvantages when it comes to sports. Late maturation can affect the self esteem as well as self concept.
Early maturation can be troublesome for girls. These girls can experience more popularity in school, but they may be faced with situations such as dating, which they are not necessarily ready for. When young girls go through late maturation it can be taken more positively. These girls can have a lower social status, but later on they catch up and are content with themselves and their bodies.
In my own experience, I began to go through puberty in the eighth grade. I was thirteen years old, and I was very excited because all my girlfriends had already gotten their periods. I was pretty much the last one. As time went passing all my friends bodies were changing and I was still very chubby and had no chest so I felt very self conscious. Especially...