By the age of 10, the average female weighs 88 pounds, while the average male weighs 85 pounds, reflecting the earlier onset of the female growth spurt.

Weight Comparison at Age 10

Based on your understanding of typical physical development, analyze the following scenario and explain whether the parents' concern is warranted.

Adolescent Development Scenario

For females, the pubertal growth spurt typically commences between 8 and 13 years of age. This phase of rapid growth concludes when they achieve their final adult height, which generally happens between the ages of 10 and 16.

Google

The pubertal growth spurt is a period of accelerated and rapid increase in height that is a key physical change occurring during adolescence.

Pubertal Growth Spurt

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

In males, the growth spurt generally begins later than in females, starting between 10 and 16 years old. The attainment of their final adult height typically occurs between the ages of 13 and 17.

Male Pubertal Growth Spurt

An individual's height is determined by the interplay of both genetic factors (nature) and environmental influences (nurture). Key nurture components include nutrition, medications, and the presence of medical conditions.

Factors Influencing Height

Female Pubertal Growth Spurt

Two healthy 13-year-old friends are comparing their heights. One has grown 4 inches in the past year, while the other has only grown 1 inch. The friend who has grown less is worried they are not developing normally. Which of the following statements provides the most accurate evaluation of this situation?

Learn Before

Related

Learn After