Adolescent Development:

Adolescent and Parent Relationships – What Decreases Conflict

• Definition: Adolescence is marked by a push for independence, often causing tension with parents.

• What Decreases Conflict:

  • Open communication: Teens who feel heard argue less.

  • Authoritative parenting: Balanced control and support.

  • Respect for autonomy: Parents allowing appropriate decision-making.

  • Positive attachment history: Secure relationships in childhood lead to fewer intense conflicts.

• Example: A teen whose parents explain rules and allow negotiation feels respected and less likely to rebel.

Homophily

• Definition: The tendency to form relationships with others who are similar in interests, values, or backgrounds.

• Example: Teens often choose friends who have similar academic goals or fashion styles, reinforcing their identity and behavior patterns.

Adrenarche

• Definition: The early stage of puberty when adrenal glands begin producing androgens (around ages 6–9), preceding physical puberty changes.

• Example: Even before visible signs of puberty, children may show mood shifts or increased interest in social dynamics due to hormonal changes.

Lobes of the Brain:

• Frontal Lobe: Planning, judgment, problem-solving.

• Parietal Lobe: Sensory processing.

• Temporal Lobe: Hearing, language, memory.

• Occipital Lobe: Vision.

Prefrontal Cortex:

• Role: Decision-making, impulse control, reasoning.

• Note: Not fully developed until mid-20s, which explains risky behaviors in adolescence.

Limbic System:

• Role: Emotion and reward processing.

• Example: Adolescents may react emotionally or seek intense experiences due to a more active limbic system and an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex.

James Marcia’s Identity Status Theory

Definition: A model that expands Erikson’s stage of identity vs. role confusion into four identity statuses based on crisis (exploration) and commitment:

1. Identity Achievement:

   • Explored and committed.

   • Example: A teen explores multiple careers and chooses to study medicine.

2. Moratorium:

   • Exploring, but no commitment.

   • Example: A college student trying different majors but unsure of long-term plans.

3. Foreclosure:

   • Committed without exploring.

   • Example: A teen becomes a lawyer because their parents expect it.

4. Identity Diffusion:

   • No exploration or commitment.

   • Example: A young adult feels lost and uninterested in career or future plans.