PSY-220 test #1

What is Dual Systems Theory?

Theory that suggests that the brain's limbic system and prefrontal cortex develop at different rates during adolescence.

What is the Limbic System?

A group of brain structures involved in emotions, motivation, and memory, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and septal areas.

What functions are associated with the Limbic System?

Eating, sex, and drug use.

What is the Prefrontal Cortex?

The part of the brain responsible for consequential thinking, executive functioning, processing consequences, memory, logic, and self-control.

What is Puberty?

The period during which an individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction.

What is the Endocrine System?

The system in the body that produces, circulates, and regulates hormone levels.

What triggers Puberty?

Hormones.

How do Hormones influence Adolescent Development?

They lead to physical changes in the body.

What is Somatic Development?

Physical growth and changes in the body.

What is the Adolescent Growth Spurt?

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

What is Sexual Maturation?

The development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.

What is the Timing and Tempo of Puberty?

The age at which puberty begins and the rate at which it progresses.

What are Variations in the Timing and Tempo of Puberty?

Individual differences in when puberty starts and how quickly it progresses.

What influences Pubertal Timing?

Genetic and environmental factors.

What is the Psychological and Social Impact of Puberty?

The effects of puberty on emotions, relationships, and self-image.

What is the Immediate Impact of Puberty?

Changes in mood, emotions, and behavior.

What is the Impact of Specific Pubertal Events?

The effects of specific physical changes during puberty, such as menstruation or voice deepening.

What is the Impact of Early or Late Maturation?

The effects of starting puberty earlier or later than peers.

What are Obesity and Eating Disorders?

Conditions related to weight and eating behaviors.

What is Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder?

Specific eating disorders characterized by extreme food restriction, binge eating, or purging behaviors.

What is Puberty?

The physical changes that occur as adolescents transition from childhood to adulthood.

Why study Puberty?

Because adolescence begins in puberty.

What is Adolescence?

The period from puberty until individuals transition into adult roles, roughly from age 10 to the early 20s.

What is the Endocrine System?

The system in the body that produces, circulates, and regulates hormone levels.

What are Hormones?

Specialized substances secreted by endocrine glands.

What are Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons?

Neurons in the brain that play important roles in puberty.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons

Neurons in the brain that play important roles at puberty

Hormonal feedback loop (HPG axis)

A system of communication between the brain and reproductive organs

Set point (e.g. thermostat)

A desired level or range of a particular variable

Just before puberty, the pituitary begins to secrete hormones that act on the thyroid and on the adrenal gland.

Hormones from the pituitary gland affect the thyroid and adrenal gland

It also stimulates hormones that prompt growth.

The pituitary gland stimulates growth hormones

Adrenarche

The maturation of the adrenal gland during adolescence

Changes in the brain system regulate the adrenal gland, which is also the system that controls how we respond to stress.

The brain regulates the adrenal gland and stress response

Cortisol

A hormone produced in response to stress

What triggers puberty?

Factors such as mature sexual patterns, sufficient nutrition, and physical health

Kisspeptin

A brain chemical believed to trigger the onset of puberty

Leptin

A brain chemical produced by fat cells that may play a role in the onset of puberty

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the brain that contributes to sleepiness and that triggers the onset of puberty through its impact on kisspeptin

Genes predispose onset at a certain age.

Genes influence the timing of puberty

More fat cells and more exposure to light trigger puberty earlier

Increased fat cells and light exposure can lead to earlier puberty

Effects of hormonal changes of puberty are remarkable

Hormonal changes during puberty have significant effects

The average individual grows about 10 inches taller, matures sexually, and develops an adult proportioned body

Puberty leads to growth, sexual maturation, and adult body proportions

The brain changes in size, structure, and function at puberty.

Puberty affects the brain's size, structure, and function

The adolescent growth spurt

A rapid increase in height and weight during puberty

What stimulates rapid gains in height and weight?

Simultaneous release of growth hormones, thyroid hormones, and androgens.

What is the adolescent growth spurt?

Dramatic increase in height and weight during puberty.

What is peak height velocity?

Point of most rapid growth during adolescence.

What is epiphysis?

Closing of bone ends, terminating growth after growth spurt.

What accompanies increase in height?

Increase in weight, muscle, and fat.

What is the muscle-to-fat ratio at the end of puberty for boys?

3 to 1.

What is the muscle-to-fat ratio at the end of puberty for girls?

5 to 4.

What can prompt girls to become overly concerned about their weight?

Rapid gain in fat.

Who are the girls most susceptible to body dissatisfaction?

Those who mature early and begin dating early.

What do boys' feelings about their looks revolve around?

How muscular they are.

What are secondary sexual characteristics?

Manifestations of sexual maturity at puberty.

Give examples of secondary sexual characteristics in girls.

Development of breasts, growth of facial and body hair, changes in voice.

Give examples of secondary sexual characteristics in boys.

Growth of testes, growth of pubic hair, growth of penis, change in voice.

At what age does growth of breasts typically occur in girls?

7 to 13 years.

At what age does growth of testes typically occur in boys?

10 to 13½ years.

At what age does growth of pubic hair typically occur in girls?

7 to 14 years.

At what age does growth of pubic hair typically occur in boys?

10 to 15 years.

At what age does body growth typically occur in girls?

9½ to 14½ years.

At what age does body growth typically occur in boys?

10½ to 16 years.

At what age does menarche typically occur?

10 to 16½ years in girls.

At what age does growth of penis typically occur in boys?

11 to 14½ years.

At what age does underarm hair typically occur in girls?

About two years after pubic hair.

At what age does underarm hair typically occur in boys?

About the same time as penis growth.

At what age does change in voice typically occur in boys?

About the same time as underarm hair.

At what age do oil- and sweat-producing glands typically occur in boys?

About two years after pubic hair.

At what age does facial and underarm hair typically occur in boys?

About the same time as underarm hair.

Oil- and sweat-producing glands

Glands that produce oil and sweat on the skin

Acne

A skin condition characterized by pimples and blemishes

Variations in the mind and tempo of puberty

No specific average age or duration of puberty

Relation between age at puberty onset and rate of development

No relation

Ethnic differences in timing and rate of pubertal maturation

Black females mature first, Mexican American females second, White females third

Possible reasons for ethnic differences in pubertal maturation

Not due to income, weight, or area of residence; may be due to exposure to chemicals

Individual differences in pubertal maturation

Largely inherited; influenced by nutrition and health

Genetic disposition in pubertal maturation

Upper and lower age limits, not fixed absolute

Environmental influences on pubertal maturation

Nutrition and health

Puberty occurring earlier with better nourishment

Better nourished individuals experience earlier puberty

Delayed puberty and protein/caloric deficiency

Delayed puberty more likely with history of protein/caloric deficiency

Delayed puberty and chronic illnesses/excessive exercise

Delayed puberty linked to chronic illnesses and excessive exercise

Familial influences on pubertal timing

Social factors in home environment may influence onset of maturation, especially in girls

Factors related to early pubertal maturation in girls

Father-absent families, conflict-ridden households, having a stepfather, sexual abuse, tension in the family, stress, presence of a stepfather

Pheromones

Chemicals secreted by animals that stimulate certain behaviors in other members of the species

Group differences in pubertal maturation

Studied by comparing average age of menarche

Age at menarche and malnourishment/chronic disease

Later age at menarche when malnourished or suffering from chronic disease

What causes preadolescents to fall asleep quickly?

Peak melatonin levels

When do melatonin levels peak for young children and adults?

Earlier than adolescents

When do adolescents' melatonin levels peak?

11:00pm

What time do adolescents typically fall asleep and wake up when allowed to regulate their own sleep?

1am and 10am

What are the implications of adolescents going to sleep later?

Poorer school performance, drug/alcohol use, higher obesity rates, car accidents

What time do most schools start classes?

7:30 am

What improvement is seen when schools switch to starting classes at 8:30 or later?

Improved grades, test scores, car crash statistics

Why do high schools not make classes start later?

Childcare, sports

What is the impact of puberty on self-esteem?

Varies by gender and ethnicity.

Which group is particularly likely to develop poor body images during puberty?

White girls.

What causes adolescent moodiness?

Fluctuations throughout the day and environmental factors.

Is adolescent moodiness solely due to hormones?

No, it is also influenced by environmental factors.

What are some environmental factors that influence adolescent moodiness?

Shifts in activities.