integrative questions

Question 1

describe why early adolescence is a period of particularly high risk

Answer 1

brain:
-prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed, high risk taking behaviors, synaptic pruning
-amygdala is developed before prefrontal cortex, highly emotional and impulsive, more responsive to stress
-development of limbic system is mismatched

cognitive:
-egocentrism, imaginary audience, personable fable
-emergence of theory of mind -> metacognition, introspection
-moral development

family:
-family systems theory
-self-fulfilling prophecy
-goodness of fit parenting
-conflict increases
-peer group plays greater role than parenting

peer groups:
-peer acceptance leads to higher emotional, social, and academic functioning
-popularity
-selection & socialization effects: mood, happiness, depression, substance use, delinquency, etc
-mutual reinforcement of behavior problems
-aggression: direct and relational
-bullying

Question 2

describe how parents are influencing factors across multiple domains of development

Answer 2

psychosocial:
-parenting: offending is higher with hostile or neglectful parents
-harsh parenting may affect brain chemistry (serotonin)
-close family relationships protect against substance use
-risk factor for offending is poor parenting/monitoring

family:
-self fulfilling prophecy
-responsiveness/demand; parenting style: authoritative is best, increases esteem, self-expression, emotions, relationships
-disorganized parenting leads to negative outcomes
-parenting affects child’s personality and behavior

self:
-self esteem higher from approval from parents

Question 3

describe ways that adolescent development differs depending on gender

Answer 3

puberty
-female begins before male, more gradual
-male is less gradual (faster)
-girls taller than boys for a narrow time and does not happen again
-girls start as early as 5, late as 13
-boys start as early as 6.5, late as 15
-boys have higher self esteem, risk taking, less depression
-girls are overall worse emotionally (self esteem, body image, depression); worst for white american girls; more relational victimization

self:
-boys have higher self esteem
-boys are policed more about gender roles, adverse effects

peer groups:
-girls experience more conflict in friendships
-relational aggression: more often, more impactful, hurtful
-physical/direct aggression: higher in boys

psychosocial:
-women are more likely to be depressed, showing more than boys
-girls have worse body image, esteem, dating violence, self consciousness