Applying Understanding of Pubertal Information to Working with Adolescents

 Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

Puberty is a critical developmental period during which individuals go through physical and psychological changes that mark the passage from childhood to adolescence (Garber et al., 2004). The beginning of sexual maturity and the emergence of secondary sexual traits characterize this period of rapid growth and development. As they start to experience the physical changes that come with the transition to adolescence, puberty is often a period of joy and expectation for many adolescents. Puberty may be delayed in certain adolescents, which can present several psychological and social difficulties.

The Psychological Impact of Delayed Puberty

One concept discussed in the readings and videos is the psychological impact of delayed puberty in adolescents. To be considered to have delayed puberty, a girl or boy must not have developed breasts by the age of 13, and a boy must not have developed testicles by the age of 14 (Crown, 2022). It can have a variety of causes, including genetic factors, malnutrition, chronic stress, chronic disease, and hormonal imbalances, and can result in a variety of psychological and social issues (Vasectomy Reversal USA, 2016), including feelings of social isolation and low body image. Delaying puberty can have a substantial psychological impact, especially in societies where physical attractiveness and sexual attractiveness are highly valued.

Social isolation is one of the main psychological issues connected to delayed puberty. Adolescents who have delayed puberty could feel excluded from social gatherings or face bullying from their classmates. They can avoid activities that reveal their bodies, such as swimming or changing in public because they feel ashamed or embarrassed of them. Low self-esteem, despair, and anxiety can be brought on by these experiences of social isolation (van de Beek et al., 2002). On the other hand, having a negative body image might result from delayed puberty. Adolescents who undergo delayed puberty could feel inferior or odd if they compare themselves to their peers. To alter their looks, they could engage in unhealthy behaviours like dieting or excessive exercise because they are unhappy with the way their bodies look. These actions may result in disordered eating and exercise patterns, both of which may have negative long-term health effects.

It's critical to give correct, age-appropriate information on puberty to adolescents to manage the psychological effects of delayed puberty. Teachers should make adolescents aware of the typical range of puberty timing and any probable causes for a delayed onset. With the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles, adolescents may feel less embarrassed or ashamed after reading this material. By focusing on inner traits such as intelligence, kindness, and creativity rather than outward appearance, teachers and counsellors can help adolescents develop self-esteem and a healthy body image. Additionally, they can encourage healthy behaviours like regular exercise and a balanced diet, which can support both a child's physical and emotional growth.

The Psychological Consequences Associated with Gender Dysphoria

Another important concept in the field of adolescent psychology is how to address the unique needs of adolescents with gender dysphoria, which is also called gender identity disorder. A person with gender dysphoria experiences discomfort or suffering because their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth are different. A person who has this disease feels that their biological sex and their gender identification don't match (de Vries et al., 2011). A person with gender dysphoria perceives a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity. Giving gender dysphoric teens access to the appropriate services and support is crucial since they may experience significant psychological suffering as a result of their gender identity.

One of the primary challenges associated with gender dysphoria is the risk of anxiety and depression (de Vries et al., 2011). Adolescents who experience gender dysphoria may feel alone and unsupported, especially if their families or communities do not embrace them. They could suffer from guilt or humiliation over their gender identification, and they might fear rejection from their peers. These emotions may cause them great psychological distress and be harmful to their mental health.

To address the unique needs of adolescents with gender dysphoria, it is important to provide appropriate resources and support. Counselling and therapy may be used to treat depressive and anxious symptoms in adolescents as well as to help them learn coping mechanisms for difficulties related to gender identity. Support in negotiating gender identity challenges at home and school may also be a part of it. The study by de Vries et al. (2011) found that the use of puberty suppression was associated with improvements in psychological functioning, including reduced levels of gender dysphoria and depressive symptoms. By enacting policies that respect gender variety and spreading awareness of the value of inclusivity and respect for all, educators and counsellors can endeavour to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all students, including those with various gender identities.

In conclusion, delayed puberty and gender dysphoria are two ideas that can significantly affect adolescents' psychological well-being. Gender dysphoria can cause serious psychological discomfort, whereas delayed puberty can cause social isolation and negative body image. Providing teenagers with accurate and age-appropriate information about puberty is crucial for addressing these issues, as is encouraging healthy behaviours, fostering self-esteem, and promoting a good body image (Klink et al., 2015). A secure and welcoming atmosphere for all students can assist in the development of an inclusive and respectful culture while helping those who experience gender dysphoria manage their emotions of discomfort.

 

References

Crown. (2022, September 13). Early or delayed puberty. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-or-delayed-puberty/#:~:text=Delayed%20puberty%20is%20when%3A,have%20not%20started%20by%2015

de Vries, A.L., Steensma, T.D., Doreleijers, T.A., & Cohen-Kettenis, P.T. (2011). Puberty suppression in adolescents with gender identity disorder: A prospective follow-up study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8, 2276-2283. 

Graber J. A., Seeley, J. R., Brooks-Gunn, J., & Lewinsohn, P. M. (2004). Is pubertal timing associated with psychopathology in young adulthood? Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43, 718–726.

Klink, D. T., Caris, M. J., Heijboer, M. P., van Trotsenburg, M. A., & Rotteveel, J. (2015). Psychological functioning in children with gender dysphoria. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(1), 220-230.

van de Beek, C., Thijssen, J. H., & Cohen-Kettenis, P. T. (2002). Puberty delay and social anxiety. Psychosomatic Medicine, 64(3), 487-490.

Vasectomy Reversal USA. (2016, December 2). Delayed puberty explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkifCPhvStw