The adolescent maturational period is important in assessing health indicators and social development. The aim of this exploratory study was to characterize maturational aspects and to investigate their influence in the establishment of social relations during recreational games. It was observed 41 adolescents of both sexes, from a public school of São Paulo State. Data were collected through a bill of health, a field diary and video recording from a recreational event produced by the adolescents. The average age of menarche was 12.3 years; the boys with all secondary sexual characteristics developed more social interaction with the opposite sex. Leadership roles were assumed by adolescents with higher secondary sexual development. There are evidences that the development of maturational characteristics can facilitate personal interactions among adolescents from opposite sex and contributes to the performance of social roles related to leadership.
Adolescent development; Puberty; Interpersonal relations
