Adolescence and emerging adulthood

Question 1

What are the developmental tasks of adolescence?

Answer 1

• Adjust to sexually maturing bodies and feelings
• Develop and apply abstract thinking skills
• Develop and apply new perspective on human relationships
• Develop and apply new coping skills
• Identify meaningful moral standards, values, and belief systems
• Understand and express more complex emotional experiences
• Form friendships that are mutually close and supportive
• Establish key aspects of identity
• Meet the demands of increasingly mature roles and responsibilities
• Renegotiate relationships with adults in parenting roles

These tasks are critical for healthy development during adolescence.

Question 2

What are the physical development milestones for females during puberty?

Answer 2

• Beginning of puberty: 8 to 13 years
• First pubertal change: breast development
• Pubic hair development: shortly after breast development
• Menstrual periods: 10 to 16.5 years
• Hair under the arms: 12 years old

These milestones indicate the onset and progression of puberty in females.

Question 3

What are the physical development milestones for males during puberty?

Answer 3

• Beginning of puberty: 9.5 to 14 years old
• First pubertal change: enlargement of the testicles
• Penis enlargement: begins approximately 1 year after the testicles begin enlarging
• Appearance of pubic hair: 13.5 years old
• Nocturnal emissions: 14 years old

These milestones highlight the key changes males experience during puberty.

Question 4

What are the key aspects of physical development in young adulthood?

Answer 4

• Peak physical development in 20s-30s
• Peak substance use and STDs
• Highest rates of death by unintentional injury, suicide, homicide
• Emergence of early signs of aging in mid-late 30s

Young adulthood is marked by significant physical changes and health risks.

Question 5

What cognitive abilities are developed during adolescence and young adulthood?

Answer 5

• Complex thinking
• Abstract concepts
• Goal-oriented questioning and analysis

These cognitive skills are essential for navigating complex life situations.

Question 6

What are common emotional challenges during adolescence and young adulthood?

Answer 6

• Self-regulation difficulties
• Extended range and intensity of emotional experience
• Emergence of mental health difficulties

These challenges can affect overall well-being and require attention.

Question 7

True or False: The median age of marriage and parenthood has decreased in recent years.

Answer 7

False

There has been a trend toward later ages of marriage and parenthood.

Question 8

What are some red flags to pursue in assessment for adolescents?

Answer 8

• Changes in behavior
• Academic difficulties
• Substance use
• Signs of mental health issues

Recognizing these indicators can help in early intervention.

Question 9

What are the implications for assessment and intervention in young adults?

Answer 9

• Know research on risk and protective factors
• Consider developmental pathways
• Avoid deterministic approaches

These implications help guide effective assessment and support strategies.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The primary goal during the developmental task of young adulthood is to achieve _______.

Answer 10

[autonomy]

Autonomy is crucial for personal growth in young adulthood.

Question 11

What percentage of adults diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder at age 21 were diagnosed in adolescence?

Answer 11

74%

This statistic highlights the importance of early identification and intervention in mental health.