Childhood and Adolescent Psychology Adolescence Issue Table

Childhood and Adolescent Psychology Critical Issues in Adolescence Table Issue Puberty (HP) Description (50-100 words) Impact on the child (psychological, cognitive, and/or physical) (50-100 words) Risk factors (50-100 words) Intervention and support available (50-100 words) Puberty is a period of time in adolescence in which our bodies change dramatically. These changes to our body can be a result from our hormones evolving and transitioning into a different stage of adolescence (Martorell et al., 2014). There are two different hormones that are released during the stages of puberty, luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). For example, FSH in girls can onset menstruation whereas LH releases additional hormones in boys such as testosterone and androstenedione. Puberty can create many changes to your body both mentally and physically. Young males and females begin to physically develop pubic/armpit hair, acne, muscles, and a change in their voice. Separately young women start to develop breasts and their menstrual cycle whereas young men develop more broad shoulders and defining features (Martorell et al., 2014). Early maturation can increase the risk for health issues including cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Early maturation in young females can increase their chances of anxiety, depression, developing an eating disorder, mood disorders, infertility, heavier/longer menstrual cycles (Martorell et al., 2014). Late maturation in young males have shown them to be more self-conscious, dependent, aggressive, insecure, and even depressed (Martorell et al., 2014). Puberty can be a difficult transition for all teenages and there are support systems available such as talking to your parents or a trusted adult about struggles, talking to a doctor, thinking positive and not being afraid to ask questions because this is a new stage in one’s life. As far as emotions, these can be difficult as well because mood swings start to develop. Talking to a parent or trusted adult about emotions or mood swings and try to understand why they’re feeling what they’re feeling (Buckloh, 2021). Lastly, creating rules or boundaries can help parent and child maintain a healthy relationship while going through this transition because in some situations a parent will get upset at their teen for being moody, but they don’t recognize it can be in correlation to puberty. Sexual Orientation and Sexuality (AC) One of the key aspects of identity development is the development of sexuality. Aspects of achieving sexual identity are seeing oneself as a sexual being, recognizing one’s sexual orientation, coming to terms with sexual stirrings, and forming romantic or sexual attachments (Martorell et al., 2014). The awareness of one's sexuality aids in identity formation, self-image, and relationships (Martorell et al., 2014). While sexuality is biologically driven, it is partly culturally defined. Although it can be present in younger children, sexual orientation becomes a pressing issue in adolescence. Once considered a mental illness, homosexualiuty is now accepted under law and is at least partly genetic. The first full genome-wide scan for male sexual orientation has identified three stretches of DNA on chromosomes 7, 8, and 10 that are said to be involved in same-sex attraction (Martorell et al., 2014). Additionally, studies have shown that brain structures between gay men and straight women are more similiar, while lesbian women and staight men are similiar (Martorell et al., 2014). Despite increased acceptance of people that do not fit into the straight binary, adolescence especially experience a great deal of bullying and even violence. LGBTQ adolescents report feeling isolated in a hostile environment, causing them to hide their sexuality from their peers and family (Martorell et al., 2014). This results in feelings of depression and unfortunately, high suicide rates among this demographic of adolescents (Martorell et al., 2014). Despite sexual orientation, adolescents begin having sex around age 17 which can cause pregnancy and risk of STD’s (Martorell et al., 2014). Unfortunately, many schools teach sexual education on an abstinence-based only method. However, AAP Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health and Committee on Adolescence discuss STD prevention and safer sexual practices (Martorell et al., 2014). This is also important in preventing STDs. In order to prevent infection, adolescents are urged to get HPV vaccines, use protection, and get tested regularly if sexually active (Martorell et al., 2014). Mental Health (Anxiety) Anxiety can be a normal part of anyone’s life, however an anxiety disorder can affect a person’s ability to function in their daily life. It can include intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations, and can involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of anxiety and fear that reach a peak within minutes (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Some examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and separation anxiety. Anxiety can affect a person in many ways, including their social life and physical bodies. Some common symptoms of anxiety that can affect the physical body include an increased heart rate, breathing rapidly/hyperventilatio n, sweating, trembling, trouble sleeping, and gastrointestinal problems (Mayo Clinic, 2018). There are also plenty of medical causes that are linked to anxiety disorders, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, drug misuse/withdrawal, and chronic pain (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Since anxiety has a lot to do with nervousness, fear, and panic, it can have a severe impact on a person’s social life. Some people might not even be able to make friends, because they are so anxious. Other times, their anxiety interferes with their ability to go places and spend time with their friends. There are plenty of factors that might increase a person’s risk for developing an anxiety disorder. Some of these risk factors include trauma, stress due to an illness, stress buildup, personality, other mental health disorders, blood relatives with anxiety disorders, and drug/alcohol (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Some people are predisposed and more likely to have anxiety disorders simply because of their genes or personality. For example, teens who are perfectionists, easily flustered, timid, and/or lack self-esteem are more likely to develop anxiety. Since anxiety is common in life, there is no easy way to predict what can cause an anxiety disorder, but there are steps to reduce the symptoms if a person is feeling anxious. For example, avoiding alcohol or drug use is a good step, because those substances can cause or worsen a person’s anxiety. Another important thing to remember is to get help early, because it can be harder to treat if a person chooses to wait too long. Finally, it is recommended for a person to stay active (Mayo Clinic, 2018). By taking the time to participate in activities that a person enjoys and making them feel good about themselves, worries and stress can be lessened, which is a good way to avoid and/or decrease anxiety.