Semester 2 psychology: Developmental psychology - Adolescence, adulthood and ageing

Question 1

What changes occur during the growth spurt of adolescence, and what hormones are involved?

Answer 1

• Description: Rapid increase in height, weight, and muscle mass.
• Girls: Peak growth rate around age 12.
• Boys: Peak growth rate around age 14.
• Key Hormones: Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).

Question 2

What are the hormonal changes during puberty and their effects on physical development?

Answer 2

• Hormones: Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone

Effects:
- Girls: Growth of breasts, pubic hair.
- Boys: Development of facial hair, deepening of the voice.

Question 3

How does brain development during adolescence affect behavior?

Answer 3

• Brain Region: Prefrontal Cortex
• Functions: Decision-making, impulse control, judgment
• Development Timeline: Often not fully mature until early-to-mid 20s
• Impact on Behavior: Contributes to impulsive and risk-taking behaviors in teenagers.

Question 4

What are the characteristics of physical maturity in early adulthood?

Answer 4

• Age Range: 20 to 40 years
• Characteristics:
  Peak strength
  Optimal cardiovascular fitness
  Highest reproductive capacity
• Description: Body’s physical abilities are at their highest during this stage.