Adolescence 2 Flashcards
Adolescence
Developmental period between puberty and maturity
Age 11-20
Menarche
Onset of menstruation
Nocturnal emission
Involuntary discharge of semen while sleeping
What is Piaget’s formal operations stage?
Ability to think in the abstract develops
Leadership skills develop
Problem solving skills grow
What are the 2 issues r/t adolescence?
Individual identity
Group identity
What is individual identity?
As identity is established within a group, the individual works on a concept of self. Relationships are considered.
What is group identity?
Pressure to belong to a group intensified.
Sense of belonging and status within a group is crucial
What do good family relationships lead to in adolescence?
Foster self esteem and respect
By age 13 what percentage of the adult size is reached?
90%
How do adolescents vacillate between emotional states?
Between periods of maturity and childlike behavior
Time of heightened emotions
When is full height generally achieved in adolescents?
18yrs old
What is the 3rd leading cause of death in adolescents?
Suicide
How common are stds in the US? What percentage of these are adolescents?
20 million new cases a year
50% are adolescents
Why are adolescents at greater risk for std’s?
- Most don’t get tested
- they are reluctant to talk openly and honestly with healthcare professionals about sex
- lack of insurance or transportation
- multiple sex partners
What are some of the main std’s adolescents may be at risk for?
Gonorrhea
Genital herpes
HPV
Chlamydia
What are some of the critical choices adolescents face as they mature?
- use of alcohol, drugs
- moral obligations
- relationships
- educational pursuits
- career possibilities
What are the characteristics of middle adolescence?
Age 15-17
- more introspection
- fluctuations in self assurance
- shifts between independence and dependency
- interested in the opposite sex
Characteristics of early adolescence
Age 11-14
- conflict of achieving independence
- rebels against authority
- quarrels with siblings
- become isolated and moody
What are characteristics of late adolescence?
Age 18-20
- has to deal with reality
- becomes more self reliant
- exposure to different thinking and people
- growing importance on relationships
What factors put adolescents at a higher risk of suicide?
- impulsive and high risk behavior
- untreated mood disorder
- Access to lethal means
- substance abuse
Characteristics of sexual development in girls
Age 11-signs of sexual maturity(breast development and pubic hair)
Age 14- growth slows
Age 16- menstrual cycle becomes regular
Sexual development characteristics in boys
12yrs- testicle and penis enlarge, scrotum appearance changes, voice changes, whiskers grow
Grow more at age 14 more than any other time
16yrs- close to adult height
