W9 L1 Introduction to Adolescent Development

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from adolescent development, focusing on psychological, physical, and cognitive changes during adolescence.

Adolescence

The period of development and gradual transition between childhood and adulthood.

Puberty

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

Primary sex characteristics

Physical characteristics essential for reproduction.

Secondary sex characteristics

Physical traits that support reproduction but are not essential.

Menarche

The onset of the first menstrual period in females, marking the beginning of female adolescence.

Adiposity

The amount of body fat that can influence the onset of puberty.

BPA (Bisphenol A)

A chemical compound used in plastics that can mimic sex hormones and potentially affect puberty.

Pruning

The process of eliminating less active synaptic connections in the brain.

Grey matter

The part of the brain made up of neuronal cell bodies that processes information.

White matter

Part of the brain made up of myelinated axons that transmits information quickly.

Prefrontal Cortex

The brain region important for executive functions like planning and emotional regulation.

Risk-taking behavior

Actions taken by adolescents that involve potential negative consequences, often influenced by brain development.

Formal operational stage

Piaget's stage where adolescents develop the ability to think abstractly and reason about hypothetical situations.

Hypothetico-deductive reasoning

The ability to start with a general theory, deduce specific hypotheses, and test them.

Counterfactual emotions

Emotions such as relief and regret based on alternative outcomes of a decision.

Idealism in adolescence

The tendency of adolescents to question the imperfections in society and reasoning of adults.