How is puberty different from the other changes experienced during adolescence?

• A. It's psychological.
• B. It's social.
• C. It's emotional.
• D. It's physical.

Answer: (D)

Puberty is about the body's physical and sexual maturation driven by hormones. It includes growth spurts and the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics, as well as the onset of reproductive capability. Other changes during adolescence—how you feel, think, relate to others, and form your identity—are psychological, emotional, or social rather than biological. So the distinct, defining aspect of puberty is that it is the body's physical maturation.