Adolescent Development

framework for studying adolescent development

changes

context

psychosocial

principal features of adolescent development

biological

cognitive

social

types of theories

biosocial

organismic

learning

sociological

historical and anthropological

major biosocial theories

hall’s theory of recapitulation

dual systems theory/maturational imbalance theory

major organismic theories

freudian

eriksonian

piagetian

major learning theories

behaviorism

social learning theory

major sociological theories

adolescent marginality

intergeneral conflict

historical and anthropological theory

adolescence is an invention

reflection of political, economic, and social circumstances

hall’s theory of recapitulation

influenced by darwin

adolescence is inherently problematic

represented by evolution of our own species from early to civilized

dual systems/maturational imbalance

two brain systems

social and emotional information vs. self-control

one matures quicker

freudian theory

puberty awakens psychosexual conflicts

eriksonian theory

eight stages of development, each characterized by one crisis

identity crisis rather than psychosexual crisis

who one is vs. where one is headed

piagetian theory

transition from concrete to abstract thought

behaviorism

reinforcement ad punishment are the only factor in adolescent behavior

social learning theory

observational learning and imitation

adolescent marginality

difference between adolescents and adults

kept out of important societal roles

Puberty

physical changes as one goes from childhood to adulthood

features of puberty

rapid growth

primary sex characteristics (namely gonads)

secondary sex characteristics

changes in brain anatomy and activity

explain endocrine feedback loop

hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, which controls hormone levels and can stimulate or inhibit the gonads

what does the stimulation of adrenal glands lead to

sexual feelings

body odor

heightened response to stress

hormones influencing puberty

kisspeptin stimulates it

leptin stimulates kisspeptin

melatonin inhibits kisspeptin

leptin

makes you feel full

produced by fat cells

melatonin

helps regulate the sleep cycle

steps of sexual maturation in males

growth of testes and scrotum + pubic hair

growth spurt

facial and body hair + deepened voice

steps of sexual maturation for females

elevation of the breast + pubic hair

development of reproductive system

maturational deviance

early maturation in girls leads them to be isolated from ALL their peers

developmental readiness

very young girls are unprepared for puberty