Psych 3.1-3.5

developmental psychology

A branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development throughout the lifespan.

cross-sectional study

Research that compares people of different ages at the same point in time.

longitudinal study

Research that follows and retests the same people over time.

Nature and nurture

One of the three major themes in developmental psychology focusing on genetic and environmental influences.

Continuity and stages

A theme in developmental psychology addressing whether development is a gradual progression or a series of distinct stages.

Stability and change

A theme exploring whether personality traits remain stable over time or change during development.

teratogens

Agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Physical and cognitive function deficits in children caused by their birth mother’s heavy drinking during pregnancy.

habituation

Decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation; as infants gain familiarity with a stimulus, their interest wanes.

maturation

Biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior, relatively uninfluenced by experience.

critical period

An optimal period early in the life of an organism when exposure to certain stimuli produces normal development.

infantile amnesia

Unconsciously recalling little from before age 4 due to immature brain areas.

adolescence

The transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence.

puberty

The period of sexual maturation when a person usually becomes capable of reproduction.

menopause

The time of natural cessation of menstruation and the biological changes that occur as a woman's ability to reproduce declines.

sex

Biologically influenced characteristics by which people define male, female, and intersex.

gender

Attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex.

intersex

Possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth.

sex hormones

Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen that influence sexual development and characteristics.

sexual orientation

A person’s sexual and emotional attraction to another person and the behavior and/or social affiliation that may result from this attraction.

social learning theory

The theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating, reinforced by rewards or punishments.

gender identity

Our personal sense of being male, female, neither, or some combination of male and female.

androgyny

Blending traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics.

spermarche

The first ejaculation.

menarche

The first menstrual period.

sexual aggression

Any physical or verbal behavior of sexual nature that is unwanted or intended to harm someone.

adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Traumatic events occurring during childhood that can have negative long-term effects on health.

sexuality

Thoughts, feelings, and actions related to physical attraction to others.

asexual

Having no sexual attraction towards others.

sexual motivation

The level of desire to engage in sexual activity, influenced by hormonal changes.

external stimuli

Factors from the environment that contribute to sexual arousal.

imagined stimuli

Thoughts and fantasies that can also contribute to sexual arousal.

factors influencing teenage sexual behaviors

Elements such as social media presence and family dynamics that affect teenagers' sexual conduct.

gender roles

Sets of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for men and women defined by society.