all flash cards lifespan development final

Puberty

The biological process through which the body reaches sexual maturity and becomes capable of reproduction.

Primary sex characteristics

Reproductive organs and structures directly involved in reproduction.

Secondary sex characteristics

Physical changes associated with sexual maturity but not directly involved in reproduction.

Growth spurt

A rapid increase in height and weight experienced by adolescents.

Menarche

A girl’s first menstrual period.

Spermarche

A boy’s first ejaculation.

Myelination

The process that increases the speed of neural communication.

Synaptic pruning

The removal of less-used neural connections and strengthening of frequently used pathways.

Prefrontal cortex

A brain region that supports planning, judgment, organization, impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

Adolescent egocentrism

A heightened focus on one's own thoughts, emotions, and experiences during adolescence.

Imaginary audience

The belief that others are constantly observing and evaluating one's appearance or behavior.

Personal fable

The belief that one's experiences and emotions are unique, leading to a sense of invulnerability.

Erikson: Identity vs. Role Confusion

The central psychosocial crisis of adolescence where individuals explore their identity.

Identity diffusion

The state of having neither explored alternatives nor made a commitment.

Identity foreclosure

The state of making a commitment without exploring alternatives.

Identity moratorium

The state of actively exploring possibilities without having made a commitment.

Identity achievement

The state of having explored alternatives and made meaningful commitments.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's developmental task where young adults form intimate relationships or risk social isolation.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's central task of middle adulthood focused on contributing to the next generation.

Flow

A state of complete concentration and enjoyment during a challenging activity.

Selective optimization with compensation

A method of adapting to age-related changes by selecting important goals and optimizing resources.

Fluid intelligence

The ability to think quickly, reason abstractly, and solve novel problems.

Crystallized intelligence

Knowledge acquired through experience, such as vocabulary and general knowledge.

Ego integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's final stage where older adults look back at their lives with a sense of fulfillment or regret.

Advance directive

A legal document stating a person's healthcare preferences if they become unable to communicate.

Living will

A part of an advance directive that outlines the medical treatments a person does or does not want.

Palliative care

Care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life without attempting to cure the disease.

Hospice care

Care that provides comfort and support for terminally ill patients, typically within six months of death.

Death anxiety

Fear or distress associated with the thought of death or the dying process.

Anticipatory grief

Grief that starts before an expected loss, allowing individuals to prepare emotionally.

Disenfranchised grief

Grief not fully recognized or supported by society, such as loss that is stigmatized.

Complicated grief

A severe and persistent form of grief that interferes with daily functioning.

Dual-process model of grieving

A model suggesting that individuals cycle between loss orientation and restoration orientation in grief.

Kübler-Ross’s Five Stages

A model describing the stages of grief as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Neurocognitive disorder

A significant cognitive decline that interferes with independent functioning, previously known as dementia.

Euthanasia

The act of ending a person's life to relieve suffering.

Bioethics

The study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine.

Ageism

Prejudice or discrimination based on age.

Integrity

A sense of fulfillment and acceptance in one's life and choices.

Cultural differences in end-of-life decisions

Variations in beliefs, practices, and expectations surrounding death and dying across cultures.

Grief

Emotional response to loss that encompasses physical, cognitive, and social reactions.

Bereavement

The state of having lost someone, often considered in the period following a death.

Mourning

The cultural and personal expressions of grief.

Advance Care Planning

The process of planning for future medical care in case of serious illness or incapacitation.

Cuidado

Term used in caregiving that emphasizes support and family involvement.

Life review

The process of reflecting on one's life experiences, values, and beliefs.

Personal autonomy

The ability to make one's own choices and decisions regarding one's life and healthcare.

Palliative vs Curative care

Palliative care focuses on quality of life, while curative care aims to eliminate illness.

Loss orientation

Focus on the feelings and memories associated with loss.

Restoration orientation

Focus on rebuilding life and adjusting to new responsibilities after a loss.

Self-disclosure

Sharing personal thoughts and feelings to foster intimacy in a relationship.

Caregiver burden

The physical, emotional, and financial stress experienced by individuals caring for someone else.

Cognitive decline

A decrease in mental abilities, including memory, reasoning, and processing speed.

End-of-life decisions

Choices made regarding care and treatment near the end of life.

Dual process model

A model explaining how individuals cope with loss through alternating between grieving and adapting.

Major neurocognitive disorder

A significant cognitive decline that affects independence and daily functioning.

Loneliness

An emotional response to social isolation or lacking companionship.

Mortality rate

The number of deaths in a given population over a specific time period.

Chronic illness

A long-lasting condition that may not have a cure and requires ongoing management.

Compassionate care

Healthcare that emphasizes empathy, support, and respect for patients and families.

Personal space

The physical distance individuals maintain to feel comfortable in social interactions.

Bereavement leave

Time off from work provided to an employee following the death of a loved one.

Spiritual health

A state of well-being that encompasses one's sense of purpose and connection to something greater.

Dying process

The series of physiological changes that occur leading up to death.

Decision-making capacity

The ability of a person to understand and weigh options for their care.

Family dynamics during mourning

The interactions and relationships among family members as they cope with loss.

Healthy relationships

Connections characterized by mutual respect, trust, and support.

Community engagement in end-of-life care

Involvement of community resources and support in providing care for the dying.

Spiritual care

Support of an individual's spiritual needs during illness and end-of-life.

Psychological resilience

The ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or lifelong stress.

Sibling loss

The experience of mourning the death of a brother or sister.

Cultural expressions of grief

The various ways cultures address and process grief.

Social isolation in aging

A lack of social interaction and absence of meaningful relationships among older adults.

Financial strain in caregiving

The economic burden that arises from providing care to a family member, affecting resources.

Caring for aging parents

Providing support and assistance to elderly parents as they age.

Resistance to change in aging

Difficulties older adults may face when adapting to new circumstances or changes.

Substance misuse in older adults

The inappropriate use of substances, including alcohol or medications, by older individuals.

Sociocultural influences on grief

How societal and cultural norms affect individuals' expressions and experiences of grief.

Waiting for death

The emotional and psychological state of individuals anticipating their imminent death.

Acceptance of death

Coming to terms with one's mortality and the end of life.

Healthy coping mechanisms

Positive strategies used to manage stress or grief effectively.

Aging population

The demographic trend indicating an increasing proportion of older adults in society.

Sense of closure

The feeling that one has completed their emotional processing of a loss.

Emotional regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy way.

Psychosocial support

Assistance that addresses both psychological and social needs of individuals.

Resistance to hospice care

Reluctance to pursue hospice services, often due to misconceptions or fear.

End-of-life discussions

Conversations about preferences and choices regarding care and treatment near death.

Psychological impact of caregiving

The emotional toll that caregiving responsibilities can take on an individual's mental health.

Ethical dilemmas in care

Moral challenges faced in making decisions about patient treatment and end-of-life care.

Support networks during grief

Groups of friends, family, or community members who provide emotional support during loss.

Grief support groups

Gatherings where individuals can share their experiences and feelings of loss with others.

Reflections on mortality

Contemplating one's own death and the implications of mortality.

Life transitions

Significant changes in an individual's life that may affect their identity and roles.

Puberty

A period of rapid physical growth and sexual maturation triggered by hormonal changes.

Growth spurt

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

Distal-proximal pattern

Trend where the extremities grow before areas closer to the center of the body.

Primary sex characteristics

Reproductive organs and structures directly involved in reproduction.

Secondary sex characteristics

Visible signs of sexual maturity not directly involved in reproduction.

Acne

Skin condition that occurs due to hormonal changes increasing sebaceous gland activity.

Early puberty in girls

Associated with depression, anxiety, substance use, and earlier sexual behavior.