07 Development in Adolescence Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial developments of adolescence, including pubertal processes, brain maturation, eating disorders, moral reasoning stages, and identity formation.

Adolescence

A social construction rather than a clearly defined physical or biological category, offering opportunities for growth in autonomy and social competence but also presenting a time of risk.

Puberty

The process that leads to sexual maturity or fertility, typically beginning at age $8$ in girls and age $9$ in boys and lasting about $3$ to $4$ years.

HPG Activation

The Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal sequence where the Hypothalamus releases GnRH, triggering the Pituitary to produce LH/FSH, which in turn triggers the Gonads.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus in elevated levels to trigger the start of puberty.

Adrenarche

The first stage of puberty occurring between ages $6$ and $8$ where the adrenal glands secrete increasing levels of androgens, notably DHEA.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

An androgen whose levels influence the growth of pubic, axillary, and facial hair, body growth, and the development of body odor.

Gonadarche

The second stage of puberty marked by the maturing of the sex organs, triggering a second burst of DHEA and the production of estrogen in girls and androgens in boys.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Organs necessary for reproduction, such as the ovaries, vagina, testes, and penis.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physiological signs of sexual maturation that do not directly involve sex organs, such as breast enlargement and deepening of the voice.

Adolescent Growth Spurt

A rapid increase in height, weight, and muscle and bone growth occurring during puberty; usually beginning at age $10$ for girls and $12$ or $13$ for boys.

Spermarche

The first ejaculation, which serves as the principal sign of sexual maturity in boys.

Menarche

The first menstruation, characterized by the monthly shedding of tissues from the lining of the womb.

Secular Trend

The observation that children may be starting puberty earlier but taking more time to reach full sexual maturity.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

A disorder in women often linked to early puberty that causes acne, irregular periods, and the growth of cysts on ovaries.

White Matter

Nerve fibers that connect distant portions of the brain; an increase in this matter permits faster information and better communication across hemispheres.

Gray Matter

Brain matter that undergoes a production spurt in the frontal lobes, eventually resulting in fewer but more effective neuronal connections by late adolescence.

Body Image

One’s perception, thoughts, and feelings about one’s own body.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image, being severely underweight, and a fear of losing control and becoming overweight.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating and then purging via self-induced vomiting, strict dieting, or excessive exercise.

Binge-eating Disorder

An eating disorder characterized by binging on food without subsequent purging.

Binge Drinking

The consumption of $5$ or more drinks on one occasion.

Formal Operations

The stage of cognitive development starting around age $11$ where adolescents develop the capacity for abstract thought.

Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning

A methodical, scientific approach to problem solving involving the ability to develop, consider, and test hypotheses.

Imaginary Audience

The assumption that everyone else is thinking about the same thing that the adolescent is thinking about—themselves.

Personal Fable

The belief that one is special, that their experience is unique, and that they are not subject to the rules that govern the rest of the world.

Fuzzy-Trace Theory Dual-Process Model

A model suggesting decision making is influenced by two parallel cognitive systems: verbatim analytical and gist-intuitional.

Cosmic Stage

Kohlberg's proposed stage where people consider the effect of their actions not only on others but on the universe as a whole.

Preconventional Morality

Kohlberg's level ($0$ to $9$ years) where children focus on obedience, punishment, and individualism.

Conventional Morality

Kohlberg's level ($9$ to $20$ years) focused on standards of 'Good Boy/Girl' and social order.

Post Conventional Morality

Kohlberg's level ($20$ and up) focused on social contracts and universal ethical principles.

Authoritarian Parenting

A parenting style that tends to use more punishment and harsh control.

Authoritative Parenting

A parenting style that strikes a balance between making demands and being responsive, often leading to better academic performance.

Psychosocial Moratorium

A 'time-out' period during adolescence ideal for the development of identity.

Fidelity

The virtue gained from a satisfactory resolution of the identity crisis, characterized by sustained loyalty or a sense of belonging.

Crisis

According to James Marcia, a period of conscious decision making in the process of identity formation.

Commitment

A personal investment in an occupation or ideology used to determine identity status.

Cultural Socialization

Practices that teach children about their racial or ethnic heritage and foster racial pride.

Sexual Orientation

The focus of consistent sexual, romantic, and affectionate attraction, whether Heterosexual, Homosexual, or Bisexual.

Transgender

A term describing individuals whose biological sex at birth and gender identity are not the same.

Individuation

The struggle for autonomy and differentiation, or personal identity, often involving keeping private things from parents.

Cliques

A structured group of friends who do things together.

Crowd

A peer grouping based on reputation, image, or identity rather than personal interactions.

Juvenile Delinquency

An adolescent who breaks the law or engages in behavior considered illegal.