Module 12: Adolescence

Question 1

Adolescence

Answer 1

The transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence.

Question 2

Puberty

Answer 2

Period of sexual maturation, during which a person becomes capable of reproducing.

Question 3

Identity

Answer 3

Our sense of self; the adolescent’s task is to solidify a sense of self by testing and integrating various roles.

Question 4

Social Identity

Answer 4

The “we” aspect of our self-concept; the part of our answer to “Who am I?” that comes from our group memberships.

Question 5

Intimacy

Answer 5

The ability to form close, loving relationships; a primary developmental task in young adulthood.

Question 6

Emerging Adulthood

Answer 6

A period from about 18 to the mid 20s, when many Western cultures are no longer adolescents but have not yet achieved full independence as adults.

Question 7

G. Stanley Hall

Answer 7

One of the first psychologists to describe adolescence. Believed that the tension between biological maturity and social dependence creates a period when teens crave social acceptance, but often feel socially disconnected.

Question 8

Erik Erikson

Answer 8

Theorist that contended that each stage of life has its own psychosocial task, a crisis that needs resolution.

Question 9

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Answer 9

1. Infancy: trust vs mistrust
2. Toddlerhood: autonomy vs. shame and doubt
3. Preschool: initiative vs. guilt
4. Elementary school: competence vs inferiority
5. Adolescence: identity vs role confusion
6. Young Adulthood: intimacy vs. isolation
7. Middle adulthood: generativity vs stagnation
8. Late adulthood: integrity vs despair

Question 10

Lawrence Kohlberg’s levels of moral thinking

Answer 10

1. Preconventional morality (before age 9): self interest, obey rules to avoid punishment or gain concrete rewards.
2. Conventional Morality (early adolescence): uphold laws/rules to gain social approval or maintain social order.
3. Postconventional Morality (adolescence. and beyond): Actions reflect belief in basic rights and self-defined ethical principles.

Question 11

Moral Intuition

Answer 11

The mind makes moral judgements in much the same way that is makes aesthetic judgements - quickly and automatically.

Question 12

Haidt’s Intuitionist Perspective

Answer 12

Psychologist that believes much of our morality is rooted in moral intuitions.