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Puberty - 2nd phase (13 - 15 years)

Physical Changes

The second phase of puberty begins around the age of 13. At this stage, the body experiences sudden growth spurts. This results in some very inconsistent physical proportions and awkward movements may arise as well.

At this stage boys usually experience their first ejaculation; they are capable of procreation. They also experience the change of voices in this phase. Typical of this period is the outbreak of acne in many young people, especially in boys. The reason is the not yet balanced hormonal system, which among other things ensures that the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, which in turn clogs the skin pores and thus ensures the pesky pimples. The problem with acne may even continue in the third stage of puberty. Many young people are struggling with this for years. Often acne leaves unsightly scars which, if not treated, will remain for the entire life.

If girls did not get their menstruation already in the first phase of puberty, they should not get it any later than now. Therefore, they are able to get pregnant and birth a child. At the height of puberty, their breasts usually reach their full size. The growth of hair becomes more during this stage and even under the armpits, the unloved hair cushion starts to form. While for most boys the growth in height starts in the third phase of puberty, girls now, have almost reached their full height. Nevertheless, the body still looks a little shapeless, because the harmonization of the growth spurts does not begin until later. At this stage, girls also might suffer from acne because the body produces and excess of fat, which also becomes visible in constantly greasy hair. In this case too, it only starts to rebalance in the third phase of puberty.

Mental changes

The second phase of puberty is influenced in both, boys and in girls, by identity problems. They are articulated through poor self-esteem, feelings of being inferior and self-doubt. On the other hand, many people display a sense of all-powerfulness and delusions of grandeur. They might feel almost invincible and demonstrate that quite clearly to the outside world.

Changes in social behaviour

The second phase of puberty - also called high puberty - reveals very significant changes in the social behaviour of young people. We often observe a much-exaggerated role behaviour in both, boys and girls. You see that in the typical "macho posturing" of boys, which often goes hand in hand with a marked tendency for risk. This comes, because, guys at this stage, constantly need to prove themselves, compete and demonstrate their virility. Girls show this exaggerated role behaviour in an accentuated interest in their appearance and beauty. Excessive make-up, styling and dressing is not uncommon. During the third stage of puberty, the teens’ behaviour becomes apparent through provocations repeatedly followed with retreats.

Next chapter: Puberty Phase 3: 16-18 years