THE TRANSITION

TO ADOLESCENCE

İrem AK -E5220047
WHAT İS ADOLESCENT?
Adolescence (puberty) is the transition period from childhood
to adulthood that brings with it many physical, emotional and
cognitive changes.

During adolescence, the individual embarks on a journey of

discovery while trying to keep up with physical and
psychological changes.

Knowing oneself, recognizing needs, adapting to change,

managing social relationships and becoming autonomous.
STAGES OF ADOLESCENCE

Early adolescence
Middle adolescence
Late adolescence
Early adolescence
A period of rapid growth that occurs
between the ages of 9-13. Rapid changes in
the body bring about feelings of curiosity
and anxiety. Questions regarding sexual
identity can be observed during this period.
How they are perceived by others is very
important for young people in this period.
With their egocentric mindset, they tend to
evaluate events by placing themselves in
the center. Sensitivities about privacy begin,
and the desire to spend time alone
increases. Children in this period think
concretely.
Middle adolescence
A period between the ages of 14-16 when
physical and hormonal changes continue.
While the voice becomes thinner in girls, it
becomes deeper in boys. The search for a
romantic partner and questions about
sexuality increase during this period. Young
people in this period attach great
importance to their appearance and may
spend hours in front of the mirror. Risky
sexual intercourse, drunk driving, and
substance use are some of the risk-taking
behaviors observed during this period.
Children are beginning to think abstractly.
Late adolescence
It is the developmental phase that continues
from the ages of 17-18 to the ages of 20, and
for some individuals, until the mid-20s.
Physical development is completed. The
ability to evaluate risky content more
objectively and a sense of responsibility
develops. The young person begins to
develop a healthy identity by identifying
their own interests and abilities. Romantic
relationships become more stable and
emotional separation from parents occurs.
 THE SEARCH FOR İDENTİTY İN
ADOLESCENCE
During adolescence, the individual turns to areas of
interest that will complement him/her physically,
emotionally, cognitively and socially. During this
period, he/she may take as an example the people
(artists, teachers, athletes, etc.) or groups (art, sports,
hobbies) that he/she likes and feels close to.

In this period, when there is a need to separate from

parents and gain an identity for themselves, to
become a unique individual, different from them, it is
important to create a suitable environment for the
young person to express themselves.
 THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING
TO ME
 LIFE PERIODS AND
ADAPTATION PROBLEMS
YAPRAK TAŞDEMİR E5220055

SELF-CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT AND

IDENTITY FORMATION DURING
ADOLESCENCE
INTRODUCTION

Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood

and adulthood, marked by significant physical,
emotional, social, and cognitive changes. During this
time, individuals not only undergo bodily changes but
also begin to mature in their thinking, emotional
regulation, and social interactions. At the core of this
developmental phase lies the formation of identity and
the development of self-concept. Adolescents strive to
discover who they are and where they belong in the
social world.
 THE ADOLESCENT'S JOURNEY OF SELF-
DISCOVERY: BUILDING THE SELF

Compare their real self (how they currently see themselves) with their
ideal self (who they aspire to be).

Start to confront their past experiences and make plans for the future

Begin to observe and analyze their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors,
which contributes to their internal awareness.

Explore their interests, skills, and values in an effort to build a sense of individual identity.
 THE ROLE OF SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
AND FAMILY IN IDENTITY
DEVELOPMENT
Parenting Styles:
Family Relationships: Democratic parents who respect and
A supportive, understanding family value their child’s opinions tend to foster
environment with open higher self-esteem and confidence. In
communication allows adolescents to contrast, authoritarian or overly
express themselves and feel secure permissive parenting may lead to identity
in exploring their identity. confusion.

Peer Groups: Societal and Cultural Influences:

Adolescents seek acceptance and Media, the internet, social networks, and cultural
belonging in their peer groups. These norms also shape how adolescents see
relationships offer opportunities to themselves and who they want to become. Social
develop social skills and gain exposure to media, in particular, can make adolescents more
different perspectives. susceptible to external validation and
appearance-based self-worth.
 DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-ESTEEM AND
SELF-CONFIDENCE: THE FOUNDATION
OF A HEALTHY IDENTITY

SELF-ESTEEM SELF-CONFIDENCE POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE

reflects how much an individual the belief in one’s own skills and
values themselves. Adolescents build capacities. It is strengthened by supports emotional well-being and
self-esteem through personal success experiences, a supportive protects against issues like depression
achievements, relationships, and environment, and growing self- and anxiety.
feedback from others. awareness.
 YAPRAK TAŞDEMİR
THANKS FOR THE E5220055

LISTENING !

[email protected]

ISTANBUL MEDIPOL UNIVERSITY

Adolescence is a period
when young people
experience emotional and
physical changes related
to their bodies. Body
image during
adolescence has a
significant impact on
young people's self-
confidence, self-esteem
and general psychological
well-being.
REAL BODY VS PERCEİVED BODY DİFFERENCE

The perceived body is the

image a person creates in
The real body is the physical body that
a person has and that can be their mind about their own
measured objectively. In other words, body. In other words, it is
it is the characteristics that can be how a person sees, feels and
observed and measured from the evaluates their own body.
outside, such as height, weight, and This perception may not
body shape.
always be consistent with
the real body.
 The Impact of Social Media on Body Perception
Number of
Filters and Ideal Likes and
Appearance Seeking
Standards Approval
Platforms such as Instagram and
TikTok are social media applications The desire to have a certain appearance
that young people commonly use in in order to get more likes causes body
perception to be distorted. At the same
their daily lives. The images shared on
time, as the difference between their
these platforms usually reflect
ideal appearance and their own
idealized appearance standards that
appearance increases, they start to
are edited with filters. In fact, they are have a more negative perception of
not the real appearances of their own bodies. While putting a filter
individuals. Adolescents may feel a on the photo is enough at first, over
decrease in their self-worth by time they may want to make changes to
comparing their bodies to these their own bodies, which can lead to
distorted standards. They may feel eating disorders.
ugly, overweight, or weak.
Role of Gender Body Image in Girls
Differences Adolescent girls often feel strong pressure to appear ‘ slim,
graceful, and fit’ due to messages from the media and society.
‘Ideal body’ images created by celebrities and influences lead to
weight concerns and body dissatisfaction among girls.
Common thoughts: ‘I need to be thinner’ ‘My legs are too thick’ ‘
My stomach isn’t flat enough.’
Possible outcomes: Exessive dieting, exercise obsession, or
devoloping eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
Body Image in Boys
Adolescent boys are more focused on achieving a muscular,
strong, and athletic body appearance.
Many boys try to build more muscle mass by going to the
gym, using protein supplements, or other methods.
Common thoughts: ‘My arms aren’t muscular enough’ ‘I
don’t have abs’ ‘I should look bigger.’
Possible outcomes: Overexercising, steroid use, and feelings
of inadequacy.
 CONSEQUENCES OF BODY IMAGE DISTURBANCES
1) Loss Self-Esteem and Confidence Issues
Adolescents who constantly worry about their appearence may start feeling worthless.
Thoughts like ‘I’m not attractive enough, so people won’t like me’ may arise.
Low self-esteem leads to discomfort in social settings and fear of judgment.
2) Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Continuous dissatisfaction with body image can lead to depressive moods over time.
Anxiety about the future, fear of social rejection, and self-doubt may intensify.
Adolescents at this stage are at high risk for loneliness and isolation.
3) Development of Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders
4) Risky Behaviors
Some adolescent might use harmful substances (like fat burners or anabolic
steroids) to achieve their ideal body image.
Extreme dieting, overexercising or unsupervised supplement use can seriously
harm both physical and mental health.
ALANUR KARAER
CHANGES IN EATING BEHAVIORS

Asude MUMCU E5220024

 THE CONTENT OF THE PRESENTATION
IS AS FOLLOWS:
Increased or decreased appetite during adolescence

The impact of family structure, stress, and peer

influence

Dieting and unhealthy eating habits

 INCREASED OR DECREASED APPETITE DURING
ADOLESCENCE
Increased Appetite
Causes:
Hormonal changes (especially growth hormone, testosterone, and
estrogen)
Accelerated muscle and bone development
Increased metabolic rate.
Consequences:
The need to eat more frequently
A tendency to consume more carbohydrate and protein rich foods
Risk of overeating or obesity if not properly managed.
Decreased Appetite
Causes:
Stress, depression, or anxiety disorders
Body image issues (especially fear of gaining weight)
Peer pressure or exposure to the “ideal body” image on social media
A tendency to engage in dieting.
Consequences:
Low calorie intake
Weakness and fatigue
Long-term risks such as developmental delays or eating disorders (e.g., anorexia,
bulimia).
 THE IMPACT OF FAMILY STRUCTURE, STRESS, AND PEER
INFLUENCE ON EATING BEHAVIORS IN ADOLESCENTS
🏠 FAMILY STRUCTURE
The family is the adolescent’s first and most
influential social environment.
Regular meal routines and eating habits within
the family can strongly shape an adolescent's
behavior.
Family conflicts, divorce, or emotional neglect
can negatively impact eating behavior.
Overly controlling or authoritarian parenting
may lead to secret eating or loss of appetite.
😥 STRESS
Academic pressure, concerns about the future, or family
issues often cause stress during adolescence.
Stress may lead to emotional eating in some adolescents,
while others may experience loss of appetite.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 PEER INFLUENCE AND SOCIAL

PRESSURE
Peer pressure and social media strongly affect body
image during this period.
The belief that “I must be thin” may push adolescents
toward unhealthy diets or eating disorders.
The eating habits of friends (e.g., frequent fast-food
consumption) can influence an adolescent’s food
choices.
 DIETING AND UNHEALTHY EATING HABITS DURING
ADOLESCENCE
❌ Unhealthy Dieting Practices
Crash diets without professional guidance (e.g., one-food diets,
extreme fasting)
Skipping meals (especially breakfast)
Following trendy diets seen online or heard from friends
Completely eliminating essential nutrients like carbohydrates or fats.
🍟 Unhealthy Eating Habits
Frequent consumption of fast food and processed snacks
High intake of sugary and carbonated drinks
Irregular eating schedules
Eating late at night

⚠️ Possible Consequences
Lack of energy and poor concentration
Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals
Long-term weight problems (obesity or being underweight)
Risk of developing eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia)
THANK YOU FOR THE
LISTENING

Asude MUMCU E5220024

[email protected]
 EATING
DISORDERS
 Adolescence is one of the most
common periods for eating
disorders. During this period,
physical, hormonal and social
changes are very intense. The three
most common eating disorders are
anorexia, bulimia and binge
eating disorder.
 ANOREXIA NERVOSA
🧠 General Characteristics:
The individual sees themselves as overweight, even if they are
underweight.
An intense fear of gaining weight leads to extreme food restriction.
Thinness is associated with self-control and success.
🧒 In Adolescents:
During puberty, the body changes (e.g., breast development,
widening hips), which can cause body dissatisfaction, especially in
girls.
Social media and societal pressure to be thin play a big role.
A need for control: adolescents may use food to gain control over
their changing lives.
 BULIMIA NERVOSA
🧠 General Characteristics:
Involves episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors like
vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise.
Individuals are often of normal weight, making it harder to detect.
Episodes are typically secretive and followed by feelings of shame and
guilt.
🧒 In Adolescents:
Academic pressure, family issues, and body image concerns may trigger the
disorder.
Emotional regulation: binge eating becomes a coping mechanism for
negative emotions.
More common among adolescents with low self-esteem.
 BINGE EATING DISORDER
🧠 General Characteristics:
Characterized by eating large amounts of food in a short time,
without purging or compensatory behavior.
The person feels a loss of control during episodes.
Often followed by guilt, shame, and distress.
🧒 In Adolescents:
Emotional eating is common: stress, loneliness, or low self-worth can
trigger binges.
Exposure to idealized body images on social media contributes to
dissatisfaction.
Bullying related to weight or appearance may also be a factor.
 COMMON FACTORS
Developing identity and body image:
Teens become acutely aware of their
appearance.
Peer pressure and social media
influence.
Need for control: Managing food
becomes a way to cope with
uncertainty.
Family dynamics: Overly controlling or
emotionally distant families can
contribute.
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING
ZEYNEP TAŞPINAR
E5220021
WAYS OF PREVENTION AND
INTERVENTION
 FAMİLY,SCHOOL AND EXPERT SUPPORT

1. Family Support

Unconditional love and supportive

communication are essential. It should be
felt that the adolescent is valued not only
for his external appearance, but also for
all aspects.
2. School Support
-Healthy living seminars can be organized
-A positive school climate is important: students
should be valued according to their character and
abilities, not according to each other's external
appearance.
-The Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Service should take an active role.
 3.Expert Support

-Psychological counselors address the emotional

needs of the adolescent.
-Psychiatrists can provide medication support if
necessary
-Dietitians develop healthy and sustainable eating
plans.
-In cases where medical support is advanced
enough to be required, inpatient treatment
options may also be on the agenda.
 WAYS TO CREATE A HEALTHY BODY PERCEPTION
1. Emphasizing Body Diversity
-It should be emphasized that there is no single
"ideal body", everyone has different body types due
to genetic differences and lifestyle.

-It should be explained that the filtered, edited

images on social media and ads do not reflect real
life.
-Students and young people should be given the
message "every body is valuable" and should be
taught that concepts such as success and
happiness are not related to body shape.
 2. Focusing on Internal Values

-Rather than physical appearance, emphasis

should be placed on internal characteristics
such as intelligence, empathy, leadership,
artistic abilities.
3. Positive Social Environment

-Young people should be directed to

supportive, positive circles of friends;
competitive, comparison-based
relationships should be avoided.

-Body jokes, taunts should definitely

not be allowed in schools and homes.
 PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING AND TREATMENT
METHODS
1. Individual Therapy
-It provides a safe environment for the
adolescent to understand and express their
feelings.

-Self-confidence development, healthy

coping with stress, problem solving skills
are provided.

-Cognitive behavioral techniques can be

used to correct negative body perception.
 2. Family Therapy
-The dimensions of an eating disorder caused by
communication problems within the family are
addressed.

-Family members learn how to show a supportive

attitude by participating in therapy.

3. Group Therapy
-It is an environment of sharing and support
where young people who are experiencing
similar difficulties come together.

-Seeing that they are not alone accelerates

the healing process.
 4. Medical Support

-In cases that endanger physical

health, such as anorexia or
severe bulimia, hospitalization
and medical follow-up may be
required.

-Psychological recovery will not

be possible without treating
medical risks such as electrolyte
imbalances, low heartbeat.
THANKS FOR LISTENING TO ME

Tuğba Sena Özkan

E5220040