Adolescence intro Flashcards
Give an overview of adolescence (6)
- A transition stage between childhood and adulthood
- Dynamic and variable nature (Paton & Brown, 1991)
- Changes in external and internal factors
- Social reorientation (Foulkes & Blakemore, 2018)
- Coming to terms with various factors
- A cultural phenomenon
According to Foulkes & Blakemore (2018), what is adolescence characterised by? (2)
- Profound social, psychological and biological changes
2. A time of social reorientation where peers increasingly affect their self-concept, well-being and behaviour.
Why is defining adolescence difficult? (2)
Paton & Brown (1991)
- Defining adolesence is a complicated process due to the dynamic and variable nature
- Definitions depend on historical, social, cultural factors and the adolescent’s own self-perception
What must the young person come to terms with during adolescence? (5)
- Physical appearence
- Sexual maturity
- Establish a sense of identity
- Develop a value system
- Prepare to make decisions about adult-life
What is the interplay between external and internal factors important for?
Psychosocial adjustment
What are the 3 categories of internal (developmental) changes during adolescence of a typically developing individual?
- Physical
- Neurodevelopmental: brain structure and hormones
- Functional: cognitive and language
Describe the physical processes that occur during adolescence of a typically developing individual
Hormonal changes result in maturation of sexual and physical characteristics (puberty)
Describe the neurodevelopmental processes that occur during adolescence of a typically developing individual (4) Foulkes & Blakemore, 2018)
- Increased activation in the prefrontal cortex
- Maturation of the limbic system
- Structural change in grey matter volume, surface area, cortical thickness, white matter volume and microstructure
- Reflected in functional changes
What is the result of increased activation in the prefrontal cortex? (2) (Foulkes & Blakemore, 2018)
- Development of higher-level cognition and cognitive control: attention, executive function, response inhibition
- Increased impulsivity control (effective coping and decision-making skills)
What is the result of the maturation of the limbic system? (2) (Foulkes & Blakemore, 2018)
- Development of social and emotional cognition: interpersonal awareness, empathy, “theory of mind”
- Ability to understand relationships, friendships and that higher level social-cognitive skill.
What are the 3 individual differences that may impact neurodevelopmental changes? (Foulkes & Blakemore, 2018)
- SES
- Culture
- Peer environment
Describe how SES can impact neurodevelopmental change
- SES can impact physical development, mental health and the way in which the brain structurally develops
Describe how culture can impact neurodevelopmental change (2)
- There is similarities in behaioural development across cultures
- In terms of self-regulation and sensation seeking (Steinburg et al., 2017) despite societal expectations of adolescents
Describe how peer environmental can impact neurodevelopmental change (3)
- The pattern of interactions, number of friends and quality of friendships varies
- This can impact neural and behavioural responses to social interactions
- Positive peer relationships reduced the association with later anti-social behaviour, peer conflict and risk taking
Describe the evidence provided by Caouette & Guyer (2014) to support the individual difference of peer environment
Sensitivity to social context
1. Adolescents who are hypervigilant to social threat cues may be at risk of developing a social anxiety disorder or internalising problems