Ephebology (ɛfɪˈbɒlədʒi) is the study of youth and adolescence. The word's spelling is derived from the Greek word "ephebos", meaning "a young man". The first part of the word, "ephebo-", is pronounced with a short e sound, followed by a long e sound, and then the letter b. The second part, "-ology", is pronounced as "ol-uh-jee". Thus, the pronunciation of "ephebology" is phonetically spelled as "ɛfɪˈbɒlədʒi". This field of study covers topics such as developmental psychology, sociology, and education, and focuses on the experiences and challenges faced by young people.
Ephebology is a field of study that focuses on the scientific and interdisciplinary examination of adolescence, particularly the physical, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of this developmental period. Derived from the Greek word "ephebos," which refers to a youth or adolescent, and the suffix "-logy," meaning study or science, ephebology encompasses various domains to gain a comprehensive understanding of adolescence.
In the realm of physical development, ephebology examines the pubertal changes, growth patterns, and hormonal processes that occur during adolescence, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Psychological aspects of adolescence are explored, such as cognitive changes, self-identity formation, emotional regulation, and risk-taking behaviors. Social factors, including family dynamics, peer influence, school experiences, and cultural influences, are also analyzed within the context of ephebology. Furthermore, the study of behavioral patterns during adolescence, encompassing substance abuse, sexual behavior, exercise habits, and other health-related activities, is an integral part of ephebology.
Ephebology aims to provide an evidence-based understanding of the unique challenges, opportunities, and experiences faced by adolescents, contributing to the development of interventions, policies, and programs aimed at promoting their healthy development and well-being. By investigating the multitude of factors that shape adolescence, ephebology strives to provide insights and strategies for supporting adolescents' physical, psychological, and social needs during this critical period of human development.
The branch of science relating to the morphological and other changes incidental to puberty.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ephebology" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "ephebos" (ἔφηβος) and "logos" (λόγος).
"Ephebos" refers to a young man in ancient Greece, specifically a male between the ages of 18 and 20 who had reached the age for military service. This term was used to describe the transitional period between adolescence and adulthood.
"Logos" in Greek means "study" or "discourse", often associated with a particular field of study or knowledge.
Therefore, "ephebology" combines these two elements to refer to the study or study of ephebos – the scientific or scholarly investigation of young men during their transition into adulthood.