Adolescence: Physical and Psychological Development

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to physical and psychological development during adolescence.

Puberty

Denotes the two general types of physical changes marking the transition from childhood to young adulthood, which includes bodily changes and sexual maturation.

Adolescent Growth Spurt

A rapid increase in height and weight occurring during puberty, typically beginning earlier in girls than in boys.

Menarche

The onset of menstruation in girls, typically occurring around age 13.

Spermarche

The first spontaneous ejaculation of sperm-laden fluid in boys, typically occurring around age 13.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Organs directly involved in reproduction, such as ovaries and testes.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical signs of maturity not directly linked to reproductive organs, such as breast development in girls and facial hair in boys.

Androgens

Hormones released by the adrenal glands that contribute to male characteristics and reproductive activity.

Estrogen

A hormone that causes the breasts to enlarge and the female genitalia to mature.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone that promotes development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

Myelination

The acquisition of fatty sheath around nerve fibers that speeds the transmission of signals between neurons.

Synaptic Pruning

The process of eliminating synapses that are not used, leading to a more efficient brain network.

Limbic System

Part of the brain that matures more quickly during adolescence, influencing reward and pleasure-seeking behaviors.

Frontal Cortex

The part of the brain responsible for behavior control, which matures later than the limbic system.

Body Image

The subjective personal view of one’s own body, which can significantly influence psychological development during adolescence.

Obesity

A condition characterized by excessive body fat, often measured by body mass index (BMI).

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by a persistent refusal to eat and an irrational fear of being overweight.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder involving periods of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting or excessive exercise.

Growth Hormone

A hormone released by the pituitary gland that regulates physical development and growth.

Adverse Life Experiences

Stressful or traumatic events that can increase the risk of developing eating disorders.

Heuristic Problem Solving

A quick, simplified approach to problem-solving that does not guarantee an optimal solution.

Analytic Problem Solving

A more methodical approach to problem-solving that involves logic and reasoning.

Cognitive Development

The progression of mental skills and abilities as an individual matures.

Moral Reasoning

The process of determining right from wrong based on ethical principles.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

A theory proposing that moral reasoning progresses through six stages categorized into three levels: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.

Preconventional Level of Moral Reasoning

The first level of moral reasoning, where decisions are based primarily on the expectation of reward or avoidance of punishment.

Conventional Level of Moral Reasoning

The second level of moral reasoning, where individuals look to societal norms for moral guidance.

Postconventional Level of Moral Reasoning

The highest level of moral reasoning, where decisions are based on personal ethical principles.

Autonomy

The ability to make one’s own decisions and govern oneself, often developing during adolescence.

Peer Influence

The effect that peers have on each other's attitudes and behavior, especially during adolescence.

Risky Behavior

Actions that pose potential harm or danger, often exhibited during adolescence due to sensation-seeking and peer pressure.

Psychosocial Development

The interrelation of psychological and social factors during growth and maturation.

Self-Esteem

An individual’s subjective evaluation of their own worth.

Nutritional Needs During Adolescence

Increased requirements for calories, protein, calcium, and iron to support rapid growth and development.

Socioemotional Stress

Chronic stress experienced by individuals that can affect physiological processes like the onset of puberty.

Genetic Influence on Puberty

Hereditary factors that help regulate the timing of pubertal changes.

Environmental Influence on Puberty

External factors such as nutrition and overall health that can impact the timing and progression of puberty.

Routine Exercise

Regular physical activity that promotes mental and physical health.

Steroid Abuse

The use of anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance, which can have adverse health effects.

Cognitive Processing Speed

The rate at which an individual can process information, which increases during adolescence.

Working Memory Capacity

The amount of information one can hold and manipulate in their mind at one time, which reaches adult levels in adolescence.

Social Skills Development

The process of learning how to interact effectively with others, often enhanced through sports and group activities.

Delinquent Behavior

Actions that violate social norms or laws, sometimes linked to participation in sports.

Dissonance-Based Programs

Interventions aimed at changing attitudes by creating cognitive dissonance regarding societal ideals.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Shortages of essential nutrients in the diet, often linked to poor eating habits.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A mental health condition where an individual is excessively concerned about perceived flaws in their appearance.

Imbalanced Growth Rates

The varying rates of growth among different body parts during the adolescent growth spurt.

Physical Activity Recommendations

Guidelines suggesting adolescents engage in regular exercise to maintain health.

Supportive Parenting

Parental involvement and encouragement that can help mitigate adverse effects of early maturation.