Psychological and Behavioral Traits in Adolescence: Definitions and Trends

Identity Instability

Unstable or poorly integrated sense of self; rapidly changing goals, values, or self-image.

Intimacy Dysregulation

Difficulty forming stable, close relationships; overly intense or chaotic intimacy.

Emotional Lability

Intense, rapid mood swings with emotions that change very quickly.

Perceptual Dysregulation

Brief psychotic-like symptoms (odd perceptions, paranoia) especially under stress.

Rigid Perfectionism

Inflexible high standards and extreme concern with control and correctness.

Deceitfulness

Habitual lying or manipulation to gain advantage or avoid consequences.

Intimacy Avoidance

Avoids closeness and emotional connection in relationships.

Separation Insecurity

Strong fear of abandonment or being alone.

Manipulativeness

Uses or exploits others to achieve personal goals.

Withdrawal

Social isolation; avoids or has little interest in social interactions.

Eccentricity

Odd, unusual behavior or appearance outside cultural norms.

Suspiciousness

Mistrust of others and assumption of harmful intentions.

Irresponsibility

Failure to meet obligations at school, work, or home.

Depressivity

Frequent sadness, hopelessness, or pessimistic worldview.

Restricted Affectivity

Limited emotional expression; appearing cold or emotionally flat.

Callousness

Lack of empathy, remorse, or concern for others.

Unusual Beliefs

Odd or magical thinking outside cultural norms.

Self Dysfunction

Problems with identity and self-direction.

Interpersonal Dysfunction

Problems with empathy, intimacy, and close relationships.

Detachment

Withdrawal, intimacy avoidance, restricted affect.

Antagonism

Manipulativeness, deceitfulness, callousness, hostility.

Disinhibition

Impulsivity, risk-taking, irresponsibility.

Psychoticism

Perceptual dysregulation, eccentricity, unusual beliefs.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Maladaptive substance use causing impairment or distress; includes symptoms like craving, tolerance, and withdrawal.

Substance Dependence

More severe form with compulsive use, often involving tolerance and withdrawal.

Tolerance

Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect.

Externalizing Disorders

Outward-directed problems like ADHD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, and sometimes SUD.

Externalizing Pathway to Substance Use

Early behavior problems → deviant peers → early use → substance disorder.

Executive Cognitive Functioning

Planning, impulse control, problem-solving, decision-making abilities.

School Dysfunction (SUD)

Poor grades, truancy, suspensions related to substance use.

Peer Dysfunction (SUD)

Association with deviant or substance-using friends.

Family Dysfunction (SUD)

High conflict, low supervision, inconsistent rules.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Recurrent binge eating with loss of control but no regular compensatory behaviors.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

Restriction → significantly low weight + intense fear of gaining weight + body image disturbance.

Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

Binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise).

Binge Eating

Eating a very large amount in a short time with loss of control.

Purging

Behaviors like vomiting or laxatives to prevent weight gain.

Restricting

Limiting calories/foods to control weight or shape.

Body Checking

Repeated monitoring of body shape (mirror checking, pinching fat).

Russell's Sign

Calluses on knuckles from induced vomiting.

Normative Puberty Changes

Biological + cognitive + social shifts that increase ED risk in adolescence.

Risk Factors for Eating Disorders

Perfectionism, dieting, family emphasis on weight, trauma, peer pressure, social media.

Resilience Factors (ED)

Positive body image, supportive relationships, healthy coping.

Homotypic Continuity

The same disorder persists over time (e.g., BN → BN).

Heterotypic Continuity

Disorder changes form over time (e.g., AN → BN/BED).

Sex Differences (ED)

More common in females; males more focused on muscularity.

Alcohol Use Trend

Steep rise through adolescence → peaks in emerging adulthood.

Marijuana Use Trend

Rises steadily during high school → common by late adolescence.

PD Traits in Adolescence

Common; many improve by adulthood, but vulnerabilities remain.