The Psychology of Adolescence Flashcards
Defintion
Adolescence is a transitional stage from childhood to adulthood, characterised by sexual maturity
Adolescence can be a time of both disorientation and discovery. The transitional period can bring up issues of independence and self-identity; many adolescents and their peers face tough choices regarding schoolwork, sexuality, drugs, alcohol, and social life.
They think egocentrically
Cultural Differences
2- way relationship between biological and social factors- onset of maturation is earlier in affluent cultures
Piaget
Formal Operational Stage: able to think about abstractions and hypothetical concepts
Freud
Genital Stage: seek pleasurable sensations in the form of sexual stimulation. Stage of self idenity
Marcia (1993)
Identified 4 stages of identity status in adolescence:
1) Identity Diffusion: Indecisive and avoidance of commitment
2) Identity Disclosure: Preliminary commitment but acceptance of others’ values
3) Moratorium: Intense identity crisis- exploration but no commitments
4) Identity Achievement: Resolution of crises and firm commitments
Adams et al (1994)
Argues that the adolescence relationship with their family impacts on their formation of identity and which stage they spend the longest in
- Rejecting and detached families- Identity Diffusion
- Child centered and conformist families- Identity disclosure
- Warm and supportive families that encourage independence- Moratorium and Identity Achievement
Adolescence is characterised by..
- Rebellion
- Autonomy
- Gender Differences
Rebellion- a stereotype of unreasonable behaviour. However Durkin found that found a minority experience serious emotional disturbance
Autonomy- Emotional autonomy (relinquishes childhood dependency) leads to emotional detachment and therefore they rely on their peers for guidance
Gender Differences- Intimacy comes at an earlier stage for females, with males avoiding it for longer
Attitudes towards sex are different for each gender- what is socially accepted as the norm.
