Adolescence and Development

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to adolescence, including topics on physical growth, cognitive development, and mental health.

Adolescence

The developmental stage from approximately ages 11-18, involving significant physical, emotional, and social changes.

Puberty

The period of sexual maturation during which a person becomes capable of reproduction.

Girls: First visible sign → Breast development.

• Hair grows in pubic area and armpits.

• Menstruation

Boys: First visible signs → Testicles and penis get bigger

• Hair grows in pubic area and armpits

• Muscles grow, voice deepens, facial hair develops

BOTH

• Acne

• Growth Spurt

Tanner Stages

A scale used to measure the physical development of children, adolescents, and adults in terms of sexual maturity.

Growth Spurt

A rapid increase in height and weight that typically occurs during adolescence.

Eating Disorders

Serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits, including Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Egocentric

A tendency in adolescents to view themselves as the center of the universe and believe that others are focused on them.

Identity Formation

The developmental task during adolescence where individuals explore and define their personal values, beliefs, and goals.

Cognitive Development

The process by which adolescents develop skills in thinking, reasoning, and understanding.

Self-Perception

An individual's perception of themselves in terms of self-esteem and body image during adolescence.

Piaget's Formal Operational Stage

The stage of cognitive development beginning around age 12, characterized by the ability to think abstractly and logically.

Risk-Taking Behaviors

Actions during adolescence that may pose potential dangers or lead to negative outcomes, such as substance use or unsafe sexual activities.

Communication with Adolescents

Involves being respectful, non-judgmental, and fostering independence while discussing sensitive topics.

Screening Tools

Instruments used to assess mental health, substance use, and other issues in adolescents.

Mental Health Issues

Problems that affect the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of adolescents.

Bullying

Aggressive behavior that involves unwanted and repeated negative actions toward another individual.

Romantic Relationships

Emotional connections with peers that can influence self-esteem and social development during adolescence.

Pruning & Myelination

In adolescence, brain prunes down existing weak neurons and lays down myelin sheaths connecting to remaining linked neurons. Makes room to create new and stronger connections

Back To Front Maturation

Brain matures from the back then to the front. Causes teens to have more impulsive decision making.

Erikson Idenity vs. Role Confusion

• Identity helps create continuous self-image that remains constant even as new aspects of self are discovered

• Explores independence and develop sense of self

• May feel confused or insecure about themselves and how they fit into society

Imaginary Audience

A psychological phenomenon where adolescents believe they are the focus of others' attention, leading to heightened self-consciousness and concern over their appearance and behavior.

Personal Fable and Invincibility Fable

Concepts in adolescent development where individuals believe their experiences are unique (Personal Fable) and that they are immune to the risks faced by others (Invincibility Fable). This can lead to risky behaviors.

Identity Formation

Exploration of self-perception & self-awareness, Self-esteem & body image, Peer acceptance & social influence

Peer Relationships

• Peer pressure

• Bullying

Kohlberg - Conventional Morality (Adolescnece)

• Stage 3: Pleasing others to gin approval (good boy/good girl mentality). Desire to conform to social expectations

• Stage 4: Maintaining social order

Risk Taking Hebahviors in Teens

• Substance use

• Unprotected sexual activity

• Reckless driving

• Delinquency

• Physical risk-taking

• Social media

Screening tools for teens

• PHQ-9: Test for depression

• Patient Stress Questionnaire

• SAFE-T: Suicide Assessment Five Step Evaluation and Triage

• GAD-7: General Anxiety Disorder Test

• CAGE: Substance abuse screening (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener)

• CRAFFT: Substance abuse screening (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends/Family, Trouble)

• AUDIT: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test

Anorexia Nervosa

Refusal to maintain body weight. Intense fear of weight gain, Disturbed body image

• Will see Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle), Lanugo (body hair to keep body warm)

Bulimia Nervosa

Eating a large amount of food in discrete time period. Lack control during episodes. Disturbed body image

• Vomiting as compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain

Vaccines for Teens

• Influenza

• Pneumococcal

• HepA, B

• IPV Series

• MMR Series

• Varicella Series