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Late Bloomers | Boys
Research presented will paint a clear picture of what exactly classifies a late bloomer, the physiological implications of maturity in sport, the psychosocial effects of late bloomers and the implications for youth development leaders and coaches.
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Psychosocial Effects of Late Puberty
Several studies have examined the psychosocial effects of late maturation. These studies are significant due to observations that late-maturing boys show evidence of adjustment problems (Pinyerd & Zipf, 2005). Lindfors et al. (2005) found that “late maturation correlated significantly and negatively with ego development and sexuality.” (p. 605). The study found that late maturing boys exhibited lower levels of ego development and a lower self-image stating “psychologically mature boys with delayed puberty are painfully aware and concerned with how they look in the eyes of others” (Lindfors et al., 2007, p. 608).
This lowered self-image is correlated with symptoms of depression. Lindfors et al. (2005) findings mimicked that of Christie and Viner (2005) in that lower ego development may stem from boys with delayed puberty being treated based on their stature and appearance as opposed to their chronological age. Crockett(1987) found that greater level of maturity was associated with greater
satisfaction in adolescent’s appearance. They found that, “more mature boys were somewhat more satisfied with their weight in seventh grade and were less likely to want to change their appearance in eighth” (p. 185).
On a social level, pubertal changes are associated with an increase in opposite-sex interaction either due to an adult physique being more attractive or due to hormonal changes. As for same-sex relationships, more developed boys report spending more time with a “good friend” than did less developed boys (Crockett & Petersen, 1987, p. 186). It is also found that late-bloomers are less embedded in their peer networks and experience less intimacy in their relationships (Hauser-Cram et al., 2014).
“Psychologically mature boys with delayed puberty are painfully aware and concerned with how they look in the eyes of others”
-Lindfors et al., 2007
In Susan Harter’s five domains that are important in middle childhood, three are directly affected by development including physical appearance, social acceptance and athletic competence
-Hauser-Cram et al., 2014
A system of hierarchy within the peer network is created almost naturally. “Boys
who are advanced in development, not only at puberty but before as well, are more likely than others to be leaders”(Tanner, 1990). In his book, Tanner (1990), also describes that the unathletic late bloomer unlike the early bloomer continues to get pushed back and even surpassed by younger boys. As noted earlier, late-bloomers are aware of their status in comparison to their peers. This social comparison is critical in developing children’s views of themselves (Hauser-Cram et al., 2014).
In Susan Harter’s five domains that are important in middle childhood, three are
directly affected by development including physical appearance, social acceptance and athletic competence (Hauser-Cram et al., 2014). All of these directly affect the development of self-esteem and how youth see themselves.
Furthermore, it can be hard for youth to overcome low self-esteem and is best done when kids face a challenge and are praised honestly for doing so (Hauser-Cram et al., 2014). This low self-esteem can also impact the enjoyment of activities such as sport.
References
Christie, D., & Viner, R. (2005). Adolescent development. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 330(7486), 301-304. doi:330/7486/301 [pii]
Crockett, L. J., & Petersen, A. C. (1987). Pubertal status and psychosocial development: Findings from the early adolescence study. Faculty Publications, Department of Psychology, , 227.
Hauser-Cram, P., Nugent, J. K., Theis, K. M., & Travers, J. F. (2014). The development of children and adolescents Wiley.
Lindfors, K., Elovainio, M., Wickman, S., Vuorinen, R., Sinkkonen, J., Dunkel, L., & Raappana, A. (2007). Brief report: The role of ego development in psychosocial adjustment among boys with delayed puberty. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 17(4), 601-612.
Pinyerd, B., & Zipf, W. B. (2005). Puberty—Timing is everything! Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 20(2), 75-82.
Tanner, J. (1990). Foetus into man: Physical growth from conception to maturity Harvard University Press.