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Definition: a long-term period of time in which a child goes through puberty, the process of sexual maturation

Importance: is important for understanding different populations health and maturity, this makes it easier to measure the effect of environmental factors such as obesity

Association: In the United States, there is a decline in the average age of menarche, this is due to improved nutrition, socioeconomic status, and other environmental factors

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Definition: a group of brain structures which control motor movements, reward and motivation. It is located below the front of the brain.

Importance: plays a key role in dopamine processing, this is responsible for positive and negative reinforcement, addiction, and other social behaviors.

Association: The ventral striatum is involved in processing emotional stimuli, particularly reward and motivation. I can confirm that as someone who has experienced both reward and motivation, that I have experience the feeling of pleasure, which is the dopamine be released when these experiences are triggered.

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definition: a period of rapid increase in height and weight, particularly noticeable during infancy and adolescence, often accompanied by changes in appetite and emotional outbursts.

Importance: A growth spurt is important because it drives rapid physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that shape a child's development into adolescence.

Association: Growth spurts are strongly associated with hormonal shifts, particularly increased levels of growth hormone, estrogen, and testosterone, which drive physical development.

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Definition: Secondary sexual characteristics are physical traits that emerge during puberty and distinguish males and females, but are not directly involved in reproduction. These characteristics develop due to the influence of sex hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, and vary between sexes.

Importance: secondary sexual characteristics have biological, social, and evolutionary significance, helping individuals signal reproductive potential and navigate social and sexual interactions.

Association: secondary sexual characteristics are biologically tied to hormonal influences and genetic makeup, and they are also shaped by social, cultural, and evolutionary factors that influence how individuals express their gender and engage in reproduction.

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Def: Conception of and attitude toward their physical appearance—compared to their on-time and late-maturing peers.

Importance: During adolescence self esteem development and body image play a huge part. It effects teens feelings about their physical appearance and effects overall mental health.

Association: A song that relates to this is "Not My Responsibility" by Billie Eilish. She wrote this song about how body image affects someone. Also, that body shaming ruins peoples mental health.

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Def: Refers to the increase in adrenal androgens (hormones produced by the adrenal glands) that occurs long before the physical signs of puberty appear, typically starting between the ages of 6 and 8.

Importance: Puberty produces higher levels of androgens. Also, has an impact of the brain development, relates to mood regulation decision making, and the reward system.

Association: "Adrenarche is the term used to describe a phase in early childhood when the body begins to produce higher levels of certain hormones called androgens. This happens before the obvious physical changes of puberty, typically between ages 6 and 8" (ChatGPT).

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def: An eating disorder in which young people engage in binge eating at least once a week for three months or longer but (unlike bulimia nervosa) do not purge afterward.

importance: Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a serious condition where individuals eat large amounts of food in a short time, feeling out of control and distressed. It can lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, and is the most common eating disorder, often going undiagnosed due to stigma. BED also causes emotional issues like low self-esteem and isolation, making it important to address for overall health and well-being.

association: A song relating to this topic can be "Scars to Your Beautiful" by Alessia Cara, which speaks to self-acceptance and embracing your flaws, acknowledging the struggles many face with body image, mental health, and self-esteem.

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def: First menstruation.

importance: The first menstruation, or menarche, marks the beginning of puberty and reproductive health. It signifies physical development and the ability to conceive, while also affecting emotional and psychological growth. Menarche can impact self-esteem and body image, and it holds cultural significance in many societies. It's also an important time for reproductive education and monitoring health, as it can reveal insights into overall well-being and cycle regularity.

association: It signifies the start of physical growth and the ability to conceive, although fertility isn’t immediate. It’s a natural milestone that can affect emotions, so it’s important for parents to offer support, explain menstrual health, and create an open space for conversation.