THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN APPEARANCE AND SELF-ATTITUDE DURING ADOLESCENCE

Abstract

Sexual maturation is a central psychophysiological process characteristic of adolescence and youth. Physical development, including the constitutional features of the body and the rate of maturation, has a significant impact on an individual’s mental processes as well as their personal and psychological traits. During this period, changes in body structure and appearance actively influence the adolescent’s process of self-perception, directly shaping the formation of the “self” concept. The degree of physical maturity plays an important role in peer relationships, social status, and the development of self-confidence. Individual differences in the pace of maturation can manifest in varying levels of self-esteem, emotional stability, and behavioral strategies. Therefore, studying sexual maturation from a psychological perspective provides a deeper understanding of the principles underlying adolescent personality development.