“Puberty” vs. “Adolescence”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “puberty” and “adolescence”

  • Puberty refers specifically to the physical changes that occur during adolescence, while adolescence encompasses a period of life between childhood and adulthood.
  • Puberty is typically a shorter period of time, lasting about two to four years, while adolescence can last up to 10 years.
  • Puberty is a more universal experience, occurring in all individuals who have the biological capacity, while adolescence can differ greatly depending on cultural and societal factors.
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What is the definition of “puberty” and “adolescence”?

Puberty
  • Puberty is the physical process of becoming sexually mature.
  • It is marked by the onset of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development in girls and facial hair growth in boys.
  • It typically occurs between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and between the ages of 9 and 14 in boys.
Adolescence
  • Adolescence is a period of development that encompasses the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood.
  • It is marked by an increased capacity for abstract and logical thinking, identity formation, and the development of emotional regulation.
  • It can span from ages 10 to 21.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Adolescence” is the more popular variant on the web.
Puberty
64,400,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Puberty marks the beginning of physical changes in the body and brings along a range of emotions and mood swings.
  2. I started experiencing acne and growth spurts during puberty.
  3. Early puberty in girls has been linked to a higher risk of mental health issues in adulthood.
More popular
Adolescence
157,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. My adolescence was marked by confusion and a sense of uncertainty about my future.
  2. Adolescence is a crucial period of development and is associated with both opportunities and challenges.
  3. Adolescents experience a heightened awareness of social and cultural norms, which can influence their behavior and decision-making.
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