Physical Development in Adolescence

Flashcards covering physical development in adolescence, including biological and social perspectives, hormonal changes, and brain development.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

An 18th-century philosopher who believed the biological upheaval of puberty triggers heightened emotionality, conflict, and defiance of adults.

G. Stanley Hall (1904)

Described adolescence as a cascade of instinctual passions, resembling an era when humans evolved from savages to civilized beings.

Anna Freud (1969)

Viewed adolescence as a biologically based, universal 'development disturbance' - a stage of powerful sexual impulses causing psychological conflict and volatile behavior.

Margaret Mead (1928)

Suggested that the social environment is entirely responsible for the range of teenage experiences.

Early adolescence (11-14 years)

Rapid and varied physical change stage during adolescence.

Middle adolescence (14-16 years)

Puberty is nearly complete stage during adolescence.

Late adolescence (16-18 years)

Anticipated assumption of adult roles stage during adolescence.

Pituitary Gland

Releases growth hormone (GH) and stimulates other glands to produce hormones that bring body maturity.

Testosterone

Hormone that leads to muscle growth, body and facial hair, and other male sex characteristics.

Menarche

First menstruation in females, generally occurring around age 12 in the US.

Spermarche

First ejaculation in males, occurring around age 13 due to the maturation of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.

Myelinated nerve fibers (white matter)

Increases in the prefrontal cortex, the parietal lobes and the corpus callosum during adolescence.

Neurons and supportive material (grey matter)

Decreases during adolescence, allows for brain development and refinement.

Prefrontal Cognitive-Control Network

Requires fine tuning during adolescence involving inhibition of impulses, planning, and delayed gratification.

Amygdala

Plays a central role in processing novelty and emotional information.

Ventral Striatum

Involved in processes of motivation and reward during adolescence.

Dual Systems Perspective

Brain's emotional/social network outpaces the development of the cognitive control network, inclining teenagers toward heightened risk taking and poor choices.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Observable body characteristics.

Primary Sexual Characteristics

Reproductive organs.