Adolescent Development

puberty

Physical changes that occur during adolescence that allow individuals to reach sexual maturity

primary sex characteristics

growth of sex organs (ovaries and testes)

secondary sex characteristics

growth of breast development, change in voice pitch and facial hair growth for boys

deductive reasoning

Ability to determine problem that does not provide enough information to draw logical conclusion

hypothetical thinking

“if-then” thinking, Seeing beyond what is directly observable, Planning ahead & considering future consequences & providing alternatives

adolescent egocentrism

the belief that one’s own thoughts, beliefs, and feelings are unique, Thinking that leads to focus on self to exclusion of others

personal fable

belief that one is unique, thoughts, feelings, and experiences are more wonderful or awful than others

imaginary audience

belief that they are or will be the focus of attention in social situations (others are watching) and other will as critical or approving as they are of themselves

• Creates self-consciousness

metacognition

the capacity to think about one's own thinking, monitor cognitive processes, and regulate learning and behavior

identity foreclosure

Prematurely commit to role, series of roles, and settle upon certain identity

negative identity

Select identity undesirable to parents or community, Occurs when individuals attempt to establish acceptable identity but fail to receive positive recognition from those important to individual

identity diffusion

Frequent fluctuation between temporary commitment & reconsideration without adequate exploration. Incoherent, disjointed sense of self

identity achievement

been through crisis and has reached a commitment

psychological moratorium

Period in which individuals are free from obligations & responsibilities so can focus on self-discovery

identity moratorium

crisis is in progress and not commitment has been made