Section 12-Dark Sides of Adolescence

Human Development Section 12

What is adolescence for?

Transition from dependence on parents to peers.

What is the storm and stress idea?

Adolescence is full of conflict and emotional turmoil.

Is storm and stress typical?

No, most teens are well-adjusted.

What percentage of teens have serious problems?

About 25%.

What is adolescent egocentrism?

Intense focus on one’s own thoughts and feelings.

What is the imaginary audience?

Belief others are always watching you.

What is the personal fable?

Belief your experiences are unique.

Why are drugs dangerous for teens?

They are neurotoxic and harm the developing brain.

What are effects of early marijuana use?

Lower IQ, poor school outcomes, depression, higher dropout risk.

What increases teen substance use?

Peers, parenting, stress.

What are internalizing behaviors?

turning stress inward (depression and anxiety)

What are externalizing behaviors?

Aggression and rule-breaking.

How common is teen depression?

About 15–20%.

Who is more likely to be depressed?

Girls.

What treatment works best for teens?

Psychotherapy.

What is adolescent-limited delinquency?

Temporary rule-breaking.

What is life-course persistent delinquency?

Long-term antisocial behavior.

What percentage of teens show life-course persistent behavior?

About 5%.

What causes delinquency?

Aggression, impulsivity, peer rejection, poor parenting, poverty.

What is the main takeaway about adolescence?

Most teens develop normally despite risks.