Normal sexual development is reviewed with respect to physical maturation, sexual interests, sex drive", psychosexual competence and maturity, gender role, object choice, children's concepts of sexual differences, sex role preference and standards, and psychosexual stages. Biologic, psychoanalytic and psychosocial theories are briefly considered.…

A review of research studies suggesting that girls who exercise vigorously may experience disruptions in maturational processes suggests that carefully-monitored sports participation and training have no effect on growth and maturation. (Author/CB)

The average female can expect relative improvement in aerobic power similar to that of a male following a period of systematic training. (Author/MJB)

This study investigated the relationship between physical growth and performance of three- and four-year-old children (n=4two) on 2 stability or balance tests: the elevated beam and the stabilometer. Physical growth characteristics were concluded to be an integral part of factors influencing young childrens' stability performance. (Author/JMK)

Assessed sexual maturation and sociosexual behaviors in 101 nine- to 11-year-old low and middle income Black children. Data confirmed that girls were more advanced in sexual maturation than boys. Results of a self-report behavior scale indicated sexual behavior was related to physical development in boys but not girls. (JAC)

Investigates the influence of breast-feeding duration on the increase in weight of 365 children from birth to six months in the agro-industrial community of Pradopolis, Brazil. (RH)

Adolescents with varying combinations of pubertal delay and growth retardation were given the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire. Delay in sexual maturation by itself had no deleterious effect on self-image but growth retardation did. (Author/GK)

Flexibility is an important component of physical fitness and good health. Regular training can result in flexibility improvement. The amount of flexibility a person should develop is open to question, but minimal levels seem necessary to optimal performance and prevention of injury. (CJ)

Investigated the relationship between sex hormones and spatial performance among adolescents treated with sex steroids for delayed puberty. Found that spatial performance varied according to gender but did not vary with levels of actively circulating sex steroids. Reviewed physiological mechanisms, developmental periods, and past empirical work…

The facts about nine physical exercise myths are presented. (SB)

Examined association of individual differences in physical maturation with information-processing speed among 9- and 10-year olds. Found that early maturers were faster than late matureres, although this maturity effect was primarily the result of a significant effect for boys. The early maturers' faster processing times may be specific to boys or…

Maintains that males and females have physiological and psychological differences which cause differences in perception and learning patterns, and that educational and curricular approaches should be geared to those differences. (CM)