Differences between men and women during adolescence

Our whole life represents a constant changeSince it is always on the move, we find new opportunities, learn lessons, gain knowledge, lose interest in old things, and grow.

Every day we grow a little more, all thanks to our experiences, for what reason? Because according to our experiences, it is that we perceive and give meaning to our surroundings, both positively and negatively.

However, a factor that also affects this is what happens within ourselves, what do we mean by that? To the internal changes that occur with age that affect us both physically, mentally and emotionally. These changes help us shape our personality and belief system to become people of integrity in the near future.

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These changes occur mostly during adolescence., because in this a series of triggers occur that can overwhelm young people if they do not have a firm guide. Therefore, in this article we present the differences that occur during adolescence in women and in men.

What is adolescence?

It is a natural period that occurs in the life of each person, which includes significant changes in the psychological, emotional and physical spheres that mark the end of childhood and the transition to age adult.

These changes in turn serve to begin to shape the belief system and perception of the world of people, which begins to distance itself from what learned at home, through questioning, analysis and experiential interpretations that result in an adaptation to the birth of opinions own.

This occurs just during puberty and consists of 3 phases: early adolescence, middle adolescence, and late adolescence, in which important transformations occur in the young person's life, which will also grant the discovery of their own identity, their personal abilities, passions in life, autonomy and the awakening of their sexual world.

Stages of adolescence

There are two phases or stages in adolescence, which mark the beginning and end of it, comprising the ages of 10 and 13 years. Find out below what they are and what characteristics they comprise.

1. Early adolescence

It is the main stage or phase of adolescence, it can be easily recognized because it begins just during puberty, that is, when the person reaches their reproductive capacity. However, there are cases, especially in women, that the first menstruation occurs in late adolescence.

1.1. Body changes

It is the most drastic and observable change during this stage, boys begin to grow in height, while girls perceive changes in their bodies and may have their first menstruation. Likewise, pubic hairs begin to grow, acne appears on the face and body odor increases.

1.2. Need for privacy

Due to these changes, people begin to realize that they are already leaving the childhood stage behind and an overwhelming need for privacy, independence and autonomy awakens in them. Therefore, limits must be established.

1.3. Confusions and sexual curiosity

At this stage, sexual interest begins to awaken in young people, so it is normal for them to carry out sexual practices self-exploration or seeking to satisfy his attractions for the opposite sex or on the contrary, he is interested in the people of his same sex. However, confusion about one's sexual identity can also be caused, due to disagreements, insecurities or discomfort with one's figure.

1.4. Radical ideas

The mixture of sexual awakening, body changes and the need for independence can cause oppositional or 'rebellious' attitudes in young people. So they enter into constant discussions with parents and authority figures for imposing their own opinions.

2. Middle adolescence

In this phase the changes that have been triggered in early adolescence begin to settle but without finishing, the ages in this phase are from 14 to 17 years.

2.1. Physical changes continue

Some women do not experience their first menstruation until this phase, where they continue to observe changes in their bodies such as breast growth and widening of hips or problems at the level hormonal. Men begin to gain muscle mass and height, as well as a darker tone of voice in their voice.

2.2. Romantic interest

The sexual desire and the curiosity for satisfaction are still present, but these begin to be overshadowed by the romantic interest that arises in young people, which affects their way of relating intimately in the future. Starting with the attraction of people of the opposite or same sex (although this may still be in the stage of discovery and acceptance).

2.3. Responsibility vs rebellion

Discussions continue with authority figures for imposing their own opinions and for claiming their independence, but at the same time Over time, conflicts with academic responsibilities and school performance begin to be generated, by doing so at the own pace of the students. youths.

2.4. Social pressure

Interpersonal relationships are very important and significant during adolescence, friends become brothers and accomplices, with whom incredible experiences are lived. But there is also the social pressure to fit in and be accepted by a specific group or by other people.

3. Late adolescence

This is the last period of adolescence and the beginning of young adulthood. Although there are discussions for the time that lasts ranging from 18 years to 21 or even up to 25 years.

3.1. Completion of physical changes

Physical changes set in at 21 years of age, full size and full aesthetic figure are already reached. Although now the care that must be taken to maintain adequate physical health begins.

3.2. Emotional calm

It is during late adolescence that their own opinions and perception of the world are finally established. Personal tastes take hold and emotional conflicts begin to be balanced, especially those related to self-esteem, self-confidence and the ability to adapt.

3.3. Interest in personal growth

Young people acquire interest in their professional future and their role in the world, so they begin to orient themselves vocationally for a university career or a work profession. Even going so far as to place it above another personal interest and adapting the lifestyle to it.

3.4. Stable relationships

Another characteristic at this stage is that young people begin to look for more stable and lasting love relationships, with someone they can grow together in the future. Or on the other hand, a person who shares the same beliefs about relationships and seeks satisfaction from her.

Differences between men and women in adolescence

You have already known a little about the general changes that occur during the phases of adolescence but... What particular characteristics differentiate boys and girls during this stage of life? Find out below.

1. Physical

This is perhaps the most notable difference between men and women during the three phases of adolescence.

While women observe changes at the level of body shape, in terms of the widening of the hips, an increase in the breast size, thigh and arm thickening, or other changes that are directly related to figure female. But this change also has a direct relationship with the previous preparation for fertilization in adulthood.

On the other hand, men experience a “growth spurt”, that is, they gain height even suddenly. They can even gain muscle mass that they can shape with exercise, they have an increase in appetite, where they can eat up to twice as many servings. This is because men in this stage can burn calories quickly, thanks to their increased metabolism.

2. Emotional maturation

According to studies, it is stated that men have a two-year emotional maturation delay compared to women. Therefore, it is normal for girls during adolescence to be more calm, focused and empathetic. While men are more impulsive, relaxed and reserved.

This is because the male brain has not fully developed, this is not due to a malformation but because it seems that it takes longer. Contrary to the female brain, it settles and adapts to the environment more quickly.

That is why boys during adolescence can seem distant or arrogant, who are only interested in themselves and in satisfying their needs. While girls are more sensitive and expressive, they seek to help others and have more stable relationships. Of course, this is not a fixed law since emotional development can be worked on in childhood through parental support.

3. Particular interests

It is perhaps another notable gap between women and men during adolescence, since boys are interested in more active, dynamic activities that test them and fill them with confidence. But girls seem to be more focused on friendships, personal care, and education.

This is because, during adolescence, men have testosterone-releasing bursts and adrenaline secretion in higher amounts. Which makes them go in search of risky situations to enjoy the energy that is experienced during risk.

On the other hand, women tend to be more emotional both due to the development of their brain and the incidence of female hormones during this stage. Which have a more sensitive effect on them and are inclined towards activities that reinforce their confidence and their performance.

4. Obedience vs rebellion

Who do you think is more rebellious, the boys or the girls? It is generally believed that it is men who have a higher rate of oppositional acts against authority figures and the system to which they are exposed. However, women also play a significant role in these rebellious acts, only they seem to be a bit more discreet in their field of action.

Although, these rebellious tendencies do not usually last for long, since it is only one way in which adolescents express their desire for expression and independence. They want their voices to be heard and above all, respected. Once they find that place, they come to terms with their environment (social, family, and academic) and get their way in following the rules.

5. Expression and communication

There are studies that show that women during adolescence tend to communicate in a different way. better than men, both in the field of oratory and in the manifestation of their feelings.

This is because girls have a greater understanding of non-verbal language, find the right moment to express themselves and put together a good speech in their mind. Elements that men still do not fully develop at this stage, so they can look somewhat clumsy or slow, which frustrates them.

For this reason, it is important to teach about emotional expression and communication from childhood, so that the change during adolescence is not so abrupt or unpleasant.

6. Hormonal involvement

Both men and women suffer from changes at the hormonal level, due to the awakening of the female and male hormones in the body. Which act to shape the body and finish constituting them internally. So it can be said that it is thanks to these hormones that women are women and men, men.

6.1. Female hormones

Estrogen and progesterone take over during puberty and / or all phases of adolescence. They are responsible for all physical changes in women, emotional sensitivity, feminine character, sexual libido, metabolism and mood swings that occur during the menstrual cycle. Although there are women who do not experience its influence in such a marked way, for example, they do not suffer from mood swings during menstruation or their bodies are not defined with such voluptuousness.

6.2. Male hormones

The male hormone par excellence is testosterone and, as in women, these are responsible for the changes experienced by men in adolescence such as sexual arousal, increased muscle tone, appearance of facial hairs, darkening of the voice, increased metabolism and a taste for sexual behaviors risk. Similarly, there are men who do not experience such exact changes, for example, the growth spurt is not so high or they do not have facial hair.

As you could see, adolescence is a delicate stage of great transformations, so it is advisable to always provide support to young people, even if it is in a distant and silent way. Setting limits, listening to them, respecting them and serving as a guide.