Adolescent development Flashcards
Name the five major psychosocial developments of adolescents.
- Identity.
- Autonomy.
- Intimacy.
- Sexuality.
- Achievement.
How does puberty effect identity development? (3)
- Changes take place at a time when the individual has the intellectual capacity to appreciate fully just how significant the changes are.
- Identity development through puberty can result in dramatic changes in physical appearance associated with puberty that can alter how adolescents see and evaluate themselves.
- When looks change, individuals can sometimes feel as though personality can change too.
How does cognitive change effect adolescents?
Cognitive change during adolescence permits young people to think about themselves in new ways.
How do changes in social roles effect development?
Changes in social roles at adolescence opens up a range of choices and decisions for the adolescent to make. These decisions require adolescents to ask questions about their identity.
What are the three changes in identity development?
- Changes in self-conception.
- Changes in self esteem.
- Changes in a sense of identity.
Describe changes in self-conception (2).
- Adolescents recognise that they may come across differently to different people.
- Adolescents are more likely than children to link traits and attributes that describe themselves to specific situations rather than using them as global characterisations.
What is false self behaviour?
Behaviour that intentionally presents a false impression to others and acting in a way that one know is inauthentic. (relevant to changes of self conception)
When do changes in self esteem occur?
Evidence suggests that minor problems in self-image may arise for a brief period during early adolescence (age 11-15).
What effects does low self esteem have?
Higher anxiety levels.
Are boys or girls more sensitive to low self esteem?
Girls.
What are the four statuses of identity?
- Identity achievement.
- Identity foreclosure.
- Identity moratorium.
- Identity diffusion.
Describe identity diffusion (2).
- Status adolescents are in when they haven’t explored meaningful alternatives regarding some identity question.
- Characterised by a disjointed, incomplete sense of self.
Describe identity foreclosure (2).
- Status adolescents are in when they have made a commitment but have not had adequate opportunity to explore different approaches.
- Results in premature commitment to a role and sense of identity.
Describe identity moratorium.
Adolescents who are in the midst of exploring and experimenting, but have not made a clear commitment to an identity.
Describe identity achievement.
Adolescents who have engaged in an adequate period of exploration and made a commitment.
What characteristics define an individual that has achieved a sense of identity?
- They take responsibility for themselves.
- Feel in control of their decisions.
- Confident that they can overcome obstacles.
What is the definition of adolescence?
Adolescence is the stage of development that begins with puberty and ends when individuals make the transitions into adult roles.
What structural changes occur in the brain during adolescence?
- Thinning of grey matter.
- Pruning of pre frontal cortex.
What activity changes occur in the brain during adolescence?
- Improved self control.
- More likely to use multiple parts of the brain simultaneously.
How is changes in the brain linked to puberty?
Changes in the ways the brain is affected by certain neurological transmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are linked to the hormonal changes of puberty.
What do changes in the social brain effect?
Increases the brains susceptibility to social cues such as facial expression and increases sensitivity to social evaluation.
Name two implications of adolescent brain development.
- Adolescents experience higher highs, and lower lows.
- Adolescents are especially sensitive to emotional cues.
