Adolescent

Adolescence Age Range

11-20 years; transition period from childhood to adulthood

Major Changes During Adolescence

Drastic physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and psychosexual changes

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Physical traits that develop during puberty and distinguish males from females

Common Risky Behaviors in Adolescents

Sexual activity, driving risks, smoking, drug use, speeding, and dares

Prefrontal Cortex Development

Improves impulse control, self-regulation, and responsibility

Identity Development in Adolescence

Development of a stronger sense of self and individual identity

Religious and Spiritual Development

Views become personalized; adolescents may accept or reject family beliefs

Family Relationships During Adolescence

Increased independence may cause conflict and reduced parental involvement

Adolescent Growth Rate

Second most rapid period of growth after infancy

Average Onset of Puberty in Girls

9-10 years

Average Onset of Puberty in Boys

10-11 years

Menarche

First menstrual period; occurs between ages 9-15 years (average 12.8 years)

First Ejaculation in Boys

Usually occurs as nocturnal emissions (wet dreams)

Body Composition Changes in Girls

Increased body fat

Body Composition Changes in Boys

Increased muscle mass

Primary Female Hormone

Estrogen

Primary Male Hormone

Testosterone

Major Sex Hormones

Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are present in both sexes

Neurological Changes During Adolescence

Brain continues myelin development but not significant size increase

Respiratory Changes During Adolescence

Boys develop greater lung capacity and broader chests/shoulders

Cardiovascular Changes During Adolescence

Heart rate decreases and blood pressure increases

Blood Volume Changes During Adolescence

Boys have greater blood volume due to increased muscle mass

Wisdom Teeth Eruption

Usually occurs between ages 17-20 years

Musculoskeletal Changes

Growth plates begin closing; adult height reached when plates close

Ossification During Adolescence

Occurs earlier in girls than boys

Integumentary Changes

Increased sweat gland activity in early adolescence

Erikson's Stage for Adolescents

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Focus of Erikson's Adolescent Stage

Body changes and peer relationships become primary concerns

Piaget's Stage for Adolescents

Formal Operations

Characteristics of Formal Operations

Abstract thinking and decreased egocentrism

Kohlberg's Stage for Adolescents

Postconventional Morality

Early Postconventional Morality

Adopts parents' and society's morals

Later Postconventional Morality

Develops personal morals and values

Erikson Stage: Infancy

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson Stage: Early Childhood

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Erikson Stage: Preschool

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson Stage: School Age

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson Stage: Young Adulthood

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Effective Communication with Adolescents

Encourage expression of feelings and fears

Communication Technique

Talk face-to-face respectfully and be aware of body language

Positive Parenting Strategy

Praise achievements and admit mistakes

Behavior Management for Adolescents

Set clear, fair, consistent, and predictable limits

Peer Influence on Adolescents

Strongly influenced by peers, advertisements, social media, and trends

Leading Cause of Death in Adolescents

Unintentional injuries

Examples of Unintentional Injuries

Car accidents and drug overdoses

Factors Contributing to Adolescent Risk-Taking

Impulsivity, inexperience, and peer pressure

Most Common Cause of Adolescent Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents

Risk Factors for Motor Vehicle Accidents

Speeding, distracted driving, showing off, substance use, and not wearing seatbelts

Factors Influencing Adolescent Diet

Convenience, low cost, and easy access to food

Reason Nutritional Needs Increase During Adolescence

Rapid growth and sexual maturation

Trend in Adolescent Obesity Rates

Have tripled over the past 30 years

Health Risks Associated with Adolescent Obesity

Diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis

Adolescents at Greatest Risk for Hypertension

African American adolescents

Barrier to Healthy Eating

Low socioeconomic status

Recommended Daily Exercise for Adolescents

60 minutes per day

Good Sources of Iron and Protein

Peanut butter and meats

Sources of Calcium

Yogurt, broccoli, milk, cheese, and white beans

Sexual Health Risks in Adolescents

Dating violence, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections

Nursing Intervention for Adolescent Sexual Health

Encourage open and nonjudgmental communication

Hospitalized Adolescent Fear

Fear of pain and loss of privacy

Impact of Hospitalization on Identity

May create an altered sense of identity

Hospitalized Adolescent Concern

Effects of illness or injury on body image

Social Concern of Hospitalized Adolescents

Separation from friends and loss of control

Who Do Early Adolescents Prefer in the Hospital?

Parents rather than peers

Factors Contributing to Youth Violence

Crowded living conditions, low SES, limited parental involvement, access to guns, substance use, gang pressure, and aggression

Suicide Ranking Among Causes of Death in Adolescents

Second leading cause of death

Progression of Substance Abuse

Beer/wine → nicotine/hard liquor → marijuana → illicit drugs