Developmental Psychology: Key Concepts and Theories for Adolescents

development

the pattern of chnage that begins at conception and continues through the life span

case study

in-depth look at a single individual

correlational research

research whose goal is todescribe the strength of the relationship between twoor more events or characteristics

correlational coefficient

a number based on a statisticalanalysis that is used to describe the degree ofassociation between two variables

independent variable

the factor that is manipulated.

dependent variable

the factor that is measured

prefrontal cortex

frontal lobe; intense emotions

amygdala

A limbic system structure involved in emotion

DNA

complex molecule that contains genetic info

phenotype

the way an individual's genotype is expressed in observed and measurable characteristics

genotype

a person's genetic heritage

behavior genetics

the field that seeks to discover theinfluence of heredity and environment on individualdifferences in human traits and development

passive genotype-environment correlation (PGEC)

occur becausebiological parents provide the rearing environment

evocative genotype-environment correlation

occur because anindividual's genetically shaped characteristics elicit certain typesof physical and social environments

active genotype-environment correlation

occur when children seek out environments they findcompatible and stimulating

neurons

nerve cells; nervous system's basic units

metacognition

cognition about cognition, or "knowingabout knowing"

zone of proximal development

vygotsky's theory; how what we learn is from social interaction

selective attention

focusing on a specific aspect ofexperience while ignoring others

sustained attention

maintaining attention to a selectedstimulus for a prolonged period

divided attention

concentrating on more than one activity atthe same time

executive attention

planning actions, allocating attention to goals, etc

intelligence

the ability to solve problems and to adapt and learn from everyday experiences

emotional intelligence

adolescent egocentrism

the heightened self-consciousness of adolescents

imaginary audience

attention-getting behavior

personal fable

the sense of personaluniqueness and invulnerability

"Storm and stress" view of adolescence

attributed with beginning the scientific study of adolescence

The Inventionist View of adolescence

Adolescence is a sociohistoricalcreation.

Factors that influence adolescent development

- Contexts: settings—influenced by historical, economic, social,and cultural factors—in which development occurs

- Social policy: the course of action designed by the nationalgovernment to influence the welfare of its citizens

Key tasks of adolescence

preparation for adulthood

Early adolescence

late teens; 6th-7th grade/early 20s - 30s

late adolescent

latter half

emerging adulthood

the transition from adolescence to adulthood; approximately 18 to 25 years of age

Nature vs. Nurture debate

the debate about whether development is primarily influenced by nature (biological inheritance) or nurture (environmental experiences)

Erikson's stages of psychosocial development

1. trust vs mistrust (infancy)

2. autonomy vs shame (infancy)

3. initiative vs guilt (3 to 5)

4. industry vs inferiority (elementary to puberty)

5. identity vs identity confusion (10 to 20)

6. intimacy vs isolation (20s to 30s)

7. generativity vs stagnation (40s to 50s)

8. integrity vs despair (60s to death)

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Information Processing Theory

Puberty

the bodily changes associated with sexual maturity

How to encourage health-enhancing behaviors in adolescence

supporting healthy eating, physical activity, sleeping habits, limiting screen time and consumption of sugar

How parents can encourage healthy eating and behaviors in their adolescents

provide vegetables/fruits, send kids to bed early

risk-taking behavior in adolescence

ventral striatum more activated when pleasured or rewarded

Leading causes of death in adolescents in the US

suicide or homocide

Typical health behaviors of adolescents

Effects of exercise

Adolescent brain

Myelination in adolescence

Adolescence and into adulthood. Essential for higher-order thinking. Requires communication across many neurons and neuronal networks. Without it, it would be inefficient and difficult.

Parts of brain most effected in adolescence

prefrontal cortex

Cognitive development

Decision making abilities in adolescence

How many hours will adolescents sleep if given the opportunity