Adolescent Development Flashcards
Define adolescence
The period between childhood and adulthood, ages 12-21. Often defines as the period of onset of physical changes of puberty until adoption of the adult role.
“Storm and Stress”
Empiric evidence for increased conflict with parents, mood volatility, and increased risk behavior, recklessnesss, and sensation seeking
Primary sex characteristics
Body organs and reproductive structures and functions that differ between men and women (ex: gonads, testes, ovaries)
Secondary sex characteristics
Characteristics of the body that are caused by hormonal changes during puberty and last through adult life (ex: changes in genitals, breasts, voice, pubic/body/facial hair)
Physical changes in adolescents
-Gain 25% of final height
-Double body mass
-Major increase in genital system and secondary sex characteristics
-Changes in shoulder width, pelvic width
Changes in facial structure and appearance
Biological changes and psychosocial changes in adolescents
- Physical changes demand accommodation (understanding, coping, acceptance)
- Hormonal affects on brain fxn and behavior
- Poor adaptation can slow puberty
Pubertal changes
Change in body image: teens are very attentive to physical changes which have a psychological impact
Rate of Maturation in adolescents
- Early maturation usually benefits boys, but not girls
- Early maturing girls had more negative feelings about their physical development, while boys tend to have more positive feelings
- Late maturing boys have lower self esteem and difficulties with independence
Puberty-related behavior and psychological domains
Adolescent period is marked by an increased biological driven intensity of emotions, and a greater inclination to seek experiences that create high intensity feelings
Adolescent cognitive development
From concrete to formal operations. Includes abstraction, hypothesizing, combinatorial logic, and future considerations
Adolescent “egocentrisim”
Personal fable and imaginary audience
Personal fable
A belief that they are special and unique, so much so that none of life’s difficulties or problems will affect them, regardless of their behavior
Imaginary audience
A belief held by young adolescents that multitudes of people are enthusiastically listening or watching him/her
Identity
Mature delf definition; sense self internally and role in society
Identity crisis
Uncertainty and discomfort that adolescents experience when searching for an individual and societal role
Adolescent identity development
Rapid flux of clothing, hair, appearance, ideas, beliefs, values, peer group, goals, and view of future
Erikson’s: Identity vs. Role confusion
Necessary to establish basic social identity, orient to an occupational identity, establish personal commitments to goals, beliefs, values, and integrate personal, familial, cultural identities
James Marcia - Identity Statuses
Commitment to an identity vs. searching for an identity
Identity diffusion
Commitment and searching are absent. Have not yet thought about or resolved identity issues, have failed to chart future life course.
Identity foreclosure
Commitment is present, but searching is absent. Have chosen an identity without experiencing crisis or deciding what they want for themselves.
Moratorium
Commitment is absent, but searching is present. Experiencing identity crisis and actively questioning life choices and commitments.
Identity Achievement
Commitment and searching are present. Have resolved identity issues by personally choosing particular goals, beliefs, and values.
Adolescent social development
Transition from home/family to adult intimacy and new family through community and society by peer involvement/wider circle of acquaintances.
Successful identity development
- Requires successful peer involvement
- Self image/self concept
- Social support
