Adolescence Flashcards
What ages are in adolescence?
12-20
Adolescence is the transition between _______ and _________.
Childhood; Adulthood
During adolescence, the child has reached what kind of maturity?
Sexual maturity
What is average age of menarche today? What was it in Europe, 1840?
Today - 13; 1840 - 17
What is average age of first marriage in western cultures?
Mid-twenties
Describe how adolescence can feel to adolescent.
Can be a time of ambiguity and stress.
Describe the Offer’s research on adolescents.
According to Offer’s research, most teens love and feel loved by their parents (surveyed teens from 10 countries: other studies prove the same to be true, many reporting they feel supported and wanted by their parents.
Define Puberty.
Physical changes that mark the transition from childhood to young adulthood. This includes bodily changes and sexual maturation.
Describe the bodily changes (in general size) that occur during puberty.
dramatic changes in height and weight: 14-15 lbs for girls; 16-17 lbs for boys in one year.
When does puberty start for girls v. boys?
Puberty for girls starts around 10 (can be as late as 16); 12 (can be as late as 18) for boys.
What is menarche? When does it occur?
1st menstrual period; 12 or 13.
What is spermarche? When does it occur?
First spontaneous ejaculation; occurs around 13.
What are some possible reasons that menarche is much more delayed now than 100 years ago?
Better nutrition, health care, light?
At what ages might girls be ahead of boys in height and weight?
11-11.5 and 14-14.5; Boys eventually catch up and surpass girls.
Why are early maturing boys/girls at a disadvantage?
Frequently leads to spending more time with older adolescents, exposing them to risky behavior; late maturation can be difficult as well - they are out of step, not accepted by peers.
What are some major concerns for adolescents?
physical appearance, future work/career, finances, school
Describe some physical appearance changes during adolescence.
pimples, irregular teeth, freckles
What cognitive developmental stage is adolescents in?
According to Piaget - Formal Operational Stage; They are able to deal with the hypothetical, contemplate state of affairs that do not exist, can compare the ideal to the actual, can be puzzled by profound questions; can manipulate abstract ideas, talk about purpose and meaning of life.
Adolescent thinking is also characterized by ________.
Egocentrism or self-centeredness.
Describe David Elkind’s theory of “Imaginary Audience”
Teen imagines that a collection of beings watch and evaluate him/her at all times; they are in effect actors whose performance is watched closely by their peers; This is why their appearance and outward image is really important to them.