CHAP11_Physical and COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENCE

Adolescence

A developmental transition between childhood and adulthood entailing major physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes.

Puberty

Involves dramatic biological changes, including the secretion of increasing levels of androgens and the maturing of sex organs.

Primary sex characteristics

(Necessary for reproduction)

Women: ovaries, vagina, uterus, & fallopian tubes
Men: Penis, testes, prostate gland, and seminal vesicles in men.

Secondary sex characteristics

(Physiological signs of sexual maturation that do not directly involve sex organs) Breast Development, deeping voice, body odor, and the appearance of facial pubic and underarm hair.

Growth spurt

A sharp increase in height and weight that precedes sexual maturity.

Spermarche

The first ejaculation in males.

Menarche

The first menstruation in females.

Environmental factors

Influence the pace of pubertal development, including undernutrition and genetic influence.

Body image

One's perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about one's body, which can be affected by puberty.

Sedentary Lifestyle

• not participating (much) in physical activity or too passive in their life

• too much time watching TV, playing video games or on the computer (and not enough activity)

• driving or using public transportation a lot and rarely walking or cycling

• spending a lot of time sitting at work, school, college or at home

Bulimia Nervosa

A person regularly eats huge quantities of food and then purges the body with laxatives, inducing vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by self-starvation.

Substance abuse

The harmful use of alcohol or other drugs.

Substance dependence

Addiction to a harmful substance.

Motor vehicle collisions

The leading cause of accidental death in adolescence.

Homicides

The third leading cause of death for adolescents.

Suicide

The second leading cause of death in adolescence.

Piaget's Stage of Formal Operations

The final stage of cognitive development characterized by the ability to think abstractly.

Hypothetical-deductive reasoning

Involves the ability to develop, consider, and test hypotheses.

Imaginary audience

A conceptualized "observer" who is as concerned with a young person's thoughts and behavior as they are.

Personal fable

A belief that adolescents think they are special, their experiences are unique, and they are not subject to the rules that govern the rest of the world.

Language development

Children's use of language generally reflects their level of cognitive development.

Moral reasoning

Kohlberg's theory of moral development, which progresses through stages of reasoning.

Preconventional morality

people act under external controls. They obey rules to avoid punishment or reap rewards, or they act out of self-interest. This level is typical of children ages 4 to 10.

Conventional morality

concerned about being ‘’good’’ pleasing others and maintaining the social order. This level is typically reached after age 10; many people never move beyond it, even in adulthood.

Postconventional morality

People recognize conflicts between moral standards and make their own judgments on the basis of principles of right, fairness, and justice.

Ethic of Care

Gilligan's theory that asserts different values for men and women, with women placing caring and avoiding harm as higher goals than justice, with men viewed morality in terms of justice and fairness

Educational practices

The methods and strategies used in teaching and learning.

Intrinsic motivation

The desire to learn for the sake of learning itself.

Academic self-efficacy

The belief in one's ability to succeed academically.

Verbal tasks

Tasks that involve writing and language usage.

Visual and spatial functions

Abilities related to visual perception and spatial reasoning.

Parental involvement

The level of engagement and participation of parents in their children's education.

Subtle differences

Small and often unnoticed distinctions.

Enriched neighborhoods

Neighborhoods with resources and opportunities that support positive development.

Deprived neighborhoods

Neighborhoods lacking resources and opportunities, which can hinder development.

Gender differences

Differences between males and females.

Parental involvement in academic activities

The extent to which parents are involved in their children's educational pursuits.

Minority status

Being part of a racial or ethnic group that is in the minority.

Peer rejection

Being excluded or disliked by one's peers.

Bullying

Repeated aggressive behavior intended to harm or intimidate others.

Self-efficacy beliefs

Beliefs about one's ability to succeed in a particular domain or area.

Vocational counseling

Guidance and support provided to individuals in making career