psych 250 exam 3 - adolescence, puberty, and gender

what is adolescence?

a developmental period between childhood and adulthood marked by physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes

what is puberty?

biological process leading to sexual maturity and reproductive capability

key characteristics of puberty in males?

testicular enlargement, spermarche, growth spurt, increased muscle mass, voice changes, facial/body hair

key characteristics of puberty in females?

breast development, menarche, growth spurt, fat accumulation, widening hips, pubic/axillary hair

timing of puberty in boys and girls?

girls: 8-13 years

boys: 9-14 years

what is sexual attraction in adolescence?

emergence of romantic and sexual interest in others

what is sexual activity in adolescence?

behaviors ranging from flirting to sexual intercourse, influenced by biological, social, and cultural factors

what is the difference between sex and gender?

sex: biological status (male, female, intersex)

gender: socially constructed roles, behaviors, and identity

what are types of gender identity?

cisgender, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and other identities

how do sex and gender influence adolescent development?

affect body image, social interactions, interests, and societal expectations

what evidence exists for gender differences in boys and girls?

differences appear in physical development, spatial ability, verbal skills, aggression, and social behavior, but effect sizes are often small

what evidence exists for gender similarities?

most cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors show more similarities than differences between boys and girls

what is effect size?

a statistical measure that quantifies the magnitude of a difference between groups

why is effect size important in gender research?

helps determine if observed differences are meaningful or trivial

what did hyde’s meta-analysis show?

most gender differences are small or negligible; men and women are much more similar than different (gender similarities hypothesis)

what processes contribute to gender development?

genes, hormones, culture, and socialization

what role do genes play in gender development?

influence brain structure, hormones, and predispositions to behaviors

what role do hormones play in gender development?

testosterone and estrogen shape physical development and some behavioral tendencies

how does culture influence gender?

sets expectations for appropriate roles, behaviors, and norms

how does socialization influence gender?

parents, peers, teachers, and media reinforce gendered behaviors and attitudes

what is CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia)?

genetic disorder in which girls produce excess androgens, sometimes leading to masculinized genitalia and gender-atypical behaviors

why is CAH important in gender research?

shows the impact of prenatal hormones on gendered behavior and identity

how do genes and hormones interact with socialization?

biology may predispose tendencies, but environment shapes expression and identity

can CAH affect sexual orientation or gender identity?

studies show increased likelihood of gender-atypical interests but identity is often consistent with natal sex

how does gender influence education?

gender stereotypes can affect subject choice, confidence, and academic performance

how does gender influence professional development?

occupational segregation, wage gaps, and career expectations are influenced by gender norms

what is gender stereotyping?

assigning behaviors, traits, or roles to individuals based on their perceived gender

how can gender stereotyping affect children?

limits opportunities, affects self-esteem, and shapes interests and aspirations

how can parents, teachers, and peers reduce gender stereotyping?

by modeling equality, encouraging diverse experiences, and challenging traditional norms

overall takeaway about gender development in adolescence?

gender is shaped by a complex interplay of biology, culture, and socialization; most differences are small, and similarities dominate