Adolescent Development and Identity

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to adolescent development, identity, relationships, and various psychological theories.

What is puberty?

The biological process of physical and hormonal changes leading to sexual maturity.

What is the secular trend?

A pattern of change occurring over several generations, such as earlier onset of puberty.

What are some reasons for early menstrual cycles?

Better nutrition, increased body fat, exposure to endocrine disruptors, and stress.

What are primary sex characteristics?

Biological changes directly related to reproduction (e.g., ovaries, testes, genitals).

What are secondary sex characteristics?

Visible physical changes not directly related to reproduction (e.g., breast development, voice deepening).

What part of the brain is involved in puberty?

The hypothalamus; it triggers the release of hormones starting puberty.

What did Negriff et al. 2015 study find regarding early puberty in girls?

It is linked to increased risk of mental health issues, peer problems, and earlier sexual activity.

What brain changes occur during adolescence?

Synaptic pruning, myelination, and changes in dopamine sensitivity.

What is Piaget's formal operational thought?

The stage where adolescents begin to think abstractly, logically, and systematically.

What is abstract thinking?

The ability to think about concepts and ideas that are not physically present.

What is hypothetical-deductive reasoning?

The ability to develop hypotheses and systematically test them-key in scientific thinking.

What is the socio-emotional network?

Part of the brain that processes emotions and rewards-more active in adolescence, leading to risk-taking.

What is the cognitive control network?

Regulates attention, behavior, and decision-making; matures slower than the socio-emotional network.

What are Kohlberg's stages of morality (Adolescent Stage)?

Adolescents typically enter the conventional stage, where rules and social order matter.

How does adolescent sexuality vary?

It varies widely; adolescents often lack comprehensive sex education despite engaging in sexual activity.

What is bulimia?

An eating disorder involving binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise).

What is common about depression in adolescence?

Common in adolescence, often linked to hormonal changes, stress, peer relationships, and family dynamics.

What is Erikson's identity vs. confusion stage?

In adolescence, individuals explore different roles and ideas to form a clear sense of self; if unsuccessful, identity confusion occurs.

What are Marcia's 4 identity statuses?

1. Identity Diffusion: No crisis or commitment 2. Foreclosure: Commitment without crisis 3. Moratorium: In crisis, no commitment 4. Identity Achievement: Crisis resolved, commitment made.

How do teen friendships change?

More intimate, emotionally supportive, and crucial for social development.

What are cliques?

Small, close-knit friend groups with shared interests and strong loyalty.

What are crowds in social groups?

Larger, reputation-based groups (e.g., jocks, nerds) based on shared image, not intimacy.

What is cultural socialization?

Teaching children about their cultural heritage, values, and traditions.

What are Baumrind's parenting styles?

Four types: Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, and Neglectful-impact adolescent development.

What is emerging adulthood?

A distinct life stage (18-25) marked by exploration of identity, instability, and self-focus.

What is identity development in minority young adults?

Often includes navigating bicultural identity, discrimination, and cultural pride.

What is the peak use of drugs and alcohol?

Peaks in emerging adulthood; often used for social or coping reasons.

What health risk behaviors are linked to diseases?

Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance use can lead to chronic diseases later.

Why is physical activity important?

Essential for mental and physical health but often declines in early adulthood.

What causes male infertility?

Can be caused by low sperm count, hormone issues, environmental toxins, or lifestyle.

What is reflective thinking according to Dewey?

Critical thinking that involves active, persistent consideration of beliefs and knowledge.

What is Sinnott's postformal thought?

Adult thinking that is flexible, integrates emotion and logic, and recognizes contradictions.

What is Perry's relativistic thinking?

College students move from believing in absolute truths to understanding knowledge is contextual.

How does gender impact college attendance?

Women now outnumber men in college attendance, but disparities exist in fields and outcomes.

What is the spillover hypothesis?

Work experiences affect home life (and vice versa), both positively and negatively.

What is recentring in identity development?

Gradual shift of identity from family dependence to adult independence.

What is normative stage theory?

Development follows a universal sequence of age-related stages.

What is a social clock?

Cultural expectations for the timing of life events (e.g., marriage, career).

What is Erikson's intimacy vs. isolation stage?

In early adulthood, the challenge is to form close, committed relationships or risk loneliness.

What is the Five Factor Model (OCEAN)?

Openness - Imagination, curiosity; Conscientiousness - Responsibility, organization; Extraversion - Sociability, assertiveness; Agreeableness - Kindness, trust; Neuroticism - Emotional instability.

What is trait theory?

Personality is composed of stable traits that influence behavior across time and situations.

How does the developmental view of the Five Factor Model work?

Personality traits can shift over time, often becoming more stable and mature with age.

What are Sternberg's three elements of love?

Intimacy, Passion, Commitment.

What are types of marriage?

Includes: Traditional: Defined roles, often gendered; Egalitarian: Shared roles and power; Companionate: Emotionally intimate; Conflict-Habituated: Marked by frequent fighting; Devitalized: Empty, without intimacy or passion.