Preadolescence, here defined as the ages from eight through twelve, is a period of anticipation-a transition period-since the pubic changes that begin during these ages and mature later are essential to full adult sexual functioning. Parents as well as the major institutions in society are aware and apprehensive about these changes. Some aspects of sexual change appear earlier than others, and some come on at different ages for different individuals. The time and rate of development is not the same for boys and girls either. Biological puberty, announced by the menarche in girls and by the capacity for ejaculation in boys and with the development of secondary sex characteristics in both, begins between the ages of eight and fifteen. (For detailed information on biological changes during these years, see Caplan and Lebovici, 1969, p. 27-49; McCandless, 1967, p. 382-414; Douvan and Gold, 1966; Maccoby, 1966).
The eight year old, conscious of self as a person, recognizes his
differences from other people and voices them. While one this age is
very involved in thinking about self, chief interest lies in relationships
with others, whether they be people younger, older, or of the
same age. The eight year old is more outgoing than when younger, now
being the initiator of attempts to meet people and to go places. Personal
relationships and what others do to one are important. The eight
year old cares about what other people do to others as well.
Social standards are understood and followed. One's own successes are viewed
with pleasure, but guilt feelings accompany failure.
The eight year old has developed an increasing identification with certain social groups
and has begun the practice of exclusion of those who are different.
The eight year old's interest in sex is rather high, although sex
exploration and sex play are both less common than they were at age
six. Questions about sex continue with girls especially being interested
in menstruation and pregnancy. The process of a baby's growth
within its mother is understood and the appearance of a pregnant woman
is connected with the existence of a baby. More exact information is
sought as to where the baby is in a mother's abdomen. Realization that
the father has a role in procreation develops, and curiosity about that
role is present.
Girls and boys begin to separate in play. Girls participate in doll
play, paper doll play, and playing house as before. However, stressing
of more complex adult relationships distinguishes their play from
earlier years. Unorganized group play, such as wild running, chasing,
and wrestling occur. The beginning of secret clubs with varieties of
purposes is characteristic of this age group. The clubs are usually
short-lived. Boys recognize pretty girls and girls realize that some
boys are better looking than others.
A boy may have several girl friends, but he is aware that he will marry only one. The idea of
having a home of one's own separate from parents when one marries is
held by the eight year old. An interest in a life of one's own with a
member of the opposite sex and curiosity about that opposite sex is
evident in the preadolescent's interest in peeping, smutty jokes,
provocative giggling, and the whispering, writing, or spelling of sex
words. (Gesell and Ilg, 1946, p. 321, 324, 325, 369; Ilg and Ames,
1955, p. 204-205).
Nine year olds continue to develop but also continue to have some
of the same interests as eight year olds. However, a greater self-
consciousness is apparent, and the preadolescent is conscious of his
own attitudes, his home, and his parents' and siblings' behavior as
well as of his body. Bodily self-consciousness may have progressed to
where the preadolescent doesn't desire to be seen in the nude by the
parent of the opposite sex. Awareness of attitudes of others toward
self is heightened as is sensitivity and embarrassment over being
corrected or criticized. Self-projection is apparent in crushes and
hero worship.