Psychological changes, sexual psychological adjustment, and principles of interaction with the opposite sex in adolescent males

2026-03-28

Pubertal turmoil is most common in the early stages of adolescence. Boys and girls alike exhibit emotional instability, irritability, and unpredictable behavior; this phenomenon is known as pubertal turmoil. During this period, self-awareness increases, but self-control is weak. Likes and dislikes are strongly expressed, and individuals often become self-righteous and prone to arguing with parents and teachers.

In late adolescence, some boys and girls begin to masturbate consciously to achieve sexual satisfaction and release. The pleasure derived from masturbation can contribute to sexual maturity, alleviate sexual frustration, and to some extent avoid certain social problems, thus having a positive side. However, it often places a heavy psychological burden and repression on adolescents, causing fear of being discovered and even feelings of shame and guilt, which are detrimental to their physical and mental health. Therefore, while understanding masturbation during adolescence is important, it should be avoided as much as possible. Studying diligently and participating in beneficial group activities are positive and effective ways to overcome masturbation.

Most teenagers enter puberty without much mental preparation. They feel both shy and curious about the series of physiological and psychological changes that follow. The carefree contact between boys and girls in childhood ends, leading to a temporary period of estrangement with little interaction. This is followed by a period of attraction, where teenagers desire to be closer, such as doing homework together, asking each other questions, or participating in social activities together. However, this attraction is not the same as romantic love; it is simply liking. Generally, girls begin to develop feelings for men around 13-14 years old, and boys around 14-15 years old. In late puberty, around 16-17 years old for girls and 17-18 years old for boys (equivalent to high school), both boys and girls begin to seek out one-on-one interactions, paying attention to the reactions of their opposite-sex peers and caring about their feelings and interests. Some boys and girls express their aspirations and feelings through dating, expressing desires or showing physical intimacy, and some develop their first love. However, it must be pointed out that such first love is mostly driven by instinct, with little rational component.

Middle age is the golden age of life. Whether you are a scientist or a manual laborer, you should be in your prime, full of energy and physical strength. Especially in this era of rapid technological advancement and information overload, the brain of most middle-aged people bears a considerable burden. Therefore, understanding the physiological characteristics of brain structure and function changes in middle-aged people and taking good care of brain health is essential. The brain and spinal cord constitute the central nervous system, the command center for all bodily functions. Brain weight: Men reach their maximum weight between 20 and 40 years old, approximately 1300-1400 grams; women reach their maximum weight around 20 years old, approximately 1200-1300 grams; both men and women experience a slight increase in brain weight between 50 and 60 years old, but it decreases significantly after 60. At its peak, the brain consists of approximately 14 billion nerve cells. After maturity, the number of nerve cells decreases by an average of 1000-2000 per day; the number of brain cells begins to decline rapidly from age 40, decreasing by about 20% between 40 and 70 years old, and by about 30% after 70. If brain cells decrease significantly and brain tissue atrophies, dementia will occur. However, a normal physiological reduction in brain tissue does not affect the intelligence of middle-aged people, because in a lifetime, only one-third or even less of the brain cells are actually used, and the potential of brain cells is enormous.

To maintain vital brain functions, brain cells require a sufficient supply of oxygen, and brain tissue needs adequate blood flow. Brain cells are highly sensitive to oxygen deficiency; if the blood flow to the small arteries supplying these cells decreases, their function will decline. For example, prolonged periods of intense mental work often lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even general malaise. This is because: prolonged brain cell activity results in insufficient oxygen supply, causing hypoxia; brain cells are in a state of high excitement during mental work, and prolonged over-excitation leads to inhibition; and insufficient sleep prevents the brain from resting and recovering. Therefore, middle-aged individuals must pay attention to brain health, avoiding prolonged periods of focused work, engaging in outdoor activities, and getting enough sleep. Furthermore, ensuring adequate nutrition for the brain is crucial.