HG&D Exam 3 Bonus/Discussion Questions

Discuss brain changes and cognitive function from adolescence to middle adulthood.

In adolescence, the brain becomes more interconnected and areas become more specialized. The myelination and developing connections between neurons continues. An increase of white matter in the brain allows adolescents to make significant improvements in their thinking and processing skills. The limbic system (regulates emotions and reward) is linked to hormonal changes that occur at puberty and is also related to novelty seeking and a shift toward interacting with peers. During adolescence, the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until the mid-20s. The separation in development of these two brain areas can result in risky behavior, poor decisions, and weak emotional control.

In middle adulthood, some adults improve on their cognitive functioning performance from early adulthood. The brain at midlife not only seems to maintain many of the abilities of young adults, but also gain new ones. The brain is calmer, less neurotic, more capable of managing emotions, and better able to negotiate social situations.

Discuss physical changes from adolescence to middle adulthood.

Physical changes in adolescence are triggered by hormones approx. from ages 10-18. The changes begin with puberty (girls usually begin at 10 and boys about 2 years later) which is a period of rapid growth and sexual maturation. They experience a growth spurt, proceeding from the extremities toward the torso, referred to as distalproximal development. The growth spurt results in 10-11 inches of added height and 50-75 pounds of increased weight. The head grows after the feet and is preceded by growth of the ears, nose, and lips. The difference in these patterns of growth result in adolescents appearing awkward and out of proportion. The internal organs grow with the torso and the heart and lungs experience dramatic growth. During childhood, boys and girls are quite similar in height and weight. From age 10-14, the average girl is taller, but not heavier than the average boy. After that, the avg. boy becomes both taller and heavier.

Physical changes in middle adulthood include changes to hair, skin, and muscle mass. With aging, hair follicles produce less melanin causing the hair to become gray. Almost everyone has some hair loss with aging because many follicles stop producing new hairs and strands become smaller. Graying and hair loss usually begins in the 30s but is largely determined by genes.

The skin dries out, loses the underlying layer of fat causing wrinkles and creases in the skin. Loss of muscle tone and thinning skin can make the face appear flabby or drooping.

Loss of muscle mass and strength is called sarcopenia and results in frailty and functional impairment. This may cause more serious injuries, a decrease in life quality, and early death in older adults.

Why are adolescents so prone to the effects of alcohol and drugs? Does this pose long term problems? How so?

Adolescents are more prone to the effects of alcohol and drugs because their brains are still developing and maturing. Alcohol/Drug use at an early age not only can disrupt and damage brain growth but also makes the adolescent much more susceptible to early addiction than they would be had they started drinking later in life. This does cause long term problems as it may cause mental illness, increased risk of alcohol use disorder, and increased violent and impulsive behavior.

Discuss how Piaget's theory informs cognitive changes in adolescence. Provide examples.

In this stage/theory, adolescents are able to understand abstract principles that have no physical reference. They can now contemplate abstract constructs such as beauty, love, freedom, and morality. They demonstrate hypothetical deductive reasoning, which is developing hypotheses based on what might logically occur. They can think of every possibility beforehand and then test them systematically. An example of this would be understanding math. Younger children have to focus on simple concrete concepts as their brains are not capable of understanding more difficult material. In adolescence, they can now engage in hypothetical reasoning and scientific thinking, meaning they can understand variables and logically process information that’s not physically present.

Discuss Erickson's stage theory from adolescence to middle adulthood. Provide examples.

Erikson’s stage theory Identity vs. Role Confusion in adolescence involves a period where individuals will hold off of a firm sense of identity while exploring options. This is essentially a period of confusion and experimentation regarding ones life path. This includes questions regarding their appearance, vocational choices and career aspirations, education, relationships, sexuality, political and social views, personality, and interests. They may explore different majors in college, date different people, change their appearance, and engage in new interests.

Erikson’s stage theory for early adulthood is Intimacy vs. Isolation which is when individuals form close relationships or experience loneliness. This is a focus on establishing intimate relationships or risking social isolation. These intimate relationships can include acquaintances, friendships, and long term romantic relationships.

Erikson’s stage theory Generativity vs. Stagnation in middle adulthood encompasses a period of procreativity, productivity, and creativity and a period of not feeling challenged or needed which may result in feelings of stagnation. This stage includes the generation of new beings, new products, and new ideas, as well as self-generation concerned with further identity development. Generative activities involve parenthood, working and being fully established in their career, and being involved in the community. Some middlle aged adults take on the role of grandparents, finding satisfaction and enjoyment over the role that a career focus prohibited with their own children. A sense of stagnation occurs when adults are not active in generative activities, however stagnation can motivate a person to pursue more meaningful activities.