Читать книгу Developmental Psychopathology - Группа авторов - Страница 64

Puberty, which occurs during adolescence, is one of the most significant changes in a human’s physical development. This biological process signifies a human’s physical and sexual maturation, as individuals become capable of reproduction during this developmental period. Puberty begins with a chemical signal from the hypothalamus, which directs the pituitary gland to start producing more growth hormones. Testosterone and estrogen play an important role in the development of sex characteristics in males and females, respectively. This maturation process can vary by individual and generally takes three to four years to complete. Increases in both height and weight occur in both sexes during the growth spurt. Primary sex characteristics include the reproductive organs (e.g., sperm‐producing testes in males and egg‐producing ovaries in females), while secondary sex characteristics include the outward physiological indicators or traits of sex (e.g., breasts and facial hair) that distinguish males from females, but are not involved in sexual reproduction. Puberty is thought to cause social reorientation in adolescents, as well as engagement in high‐risk behaviors.