Adolescent Development, Risk & Safety – Lecture Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering physiology, psychosocial development, risks, safety, substance use, social media effects and counseling strategies discussed in the adolescent nursing lecture.

Adolescence

Transitional period between childhood and adulthood (≈12-18 yr) marked by rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial change.

Puberty / Pubescence

Early adolescent stage that starts with a dramatic growth spurt and ends with reproductive maturity.

Growth Spurt

Sudden acceleration in height/weight that signals onset of puberty.

Menarche

First menstrual period; indicates reproductive maturity in females.

Nocturnal Emission

Involuntary ejaculation during sleep; marks reproductive maturity in males.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Reproductive organs themselves (ovaries, testes, uterus, penis, etc.).

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Non-reproductive changes at puberty (breasts, voice deepening, axillary & pubic hair).

Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis)

Endocrine gland that releases LH & FSH to activate gonads during puberty.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Pituitary gonadotropin that triggers ovulation and testosterone secretion.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Pituitary hormone that begins sperm production and follicle maturation.

Amygdala

Brain structure for emotion; stimulated by testosterone, influencing teen decision-making.

Frontal Lobe (Executive Function)

Brain area for planning & impulse control; finishes maturing in mid-20s.

Risk-Taking Behavior

Propensity for potentially harmful acts driven by peer pressure and immature executive function.

Ambivalence (Teen)

Simultaneous desire for independence and parental support; conflicting motives.

Abstract Thinking

Ability to use symbols & hypotheses; emerges in middle adolescence.

Peer Pressure

Influence from age-mates encouraging conformity or risk.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson’s adolescent task of forming a stable sense of self.

Kohlberg Conventional Morality

Stage where early teens obey authority; older teens act on personal principles.

Self-Rated Pain Scale

Method where children ≥5 report their own pain intensity.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management

Pain-relief strategies like music, guided imagery, deep breathing.

Sebaceous Glands

Overactive oil glands in teens that contribute to acne.

Apocrine Glands

Sweat glands activated at puberty, causing stronger body odor.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

U.S. number connecting callers to immediate mental-health support.

Dating Violence

Physical, sexual or emotional harm within teen romantic relationships.

Group Dating

Safety practice of socializing in groups to reduce dating risk.

Bullying

Repeated aggressive behavior linked to teen depression and suicide.

LGBTQ+ Spectrum

View that gender identity & sexual orientation exist on a continuum.

Chosen Pronouns

Words (e.g., they/them) selected by individuals to reflect gender identity.

Unmet Needs (Gang Risk)

Lack of belonging, protection, status or finances drawing youth to gangs.

Social Media Addiction

Compulsive platform use leading to negative mental or physical effects.

Snapchat Dysmorphia

Desire to look like filtered selfies, fueling body image disorder.

Bigorexia

Male-predominant obsession with gaining muscle; form of body dysmorphia.

Looksmaxing

Online movement urging extreme measures (even bone breaking) to improve appearance.

Popcorn Brain

Reduced attention span after constant rapid digital stimulation.

Crunchy Teen Trend

Social-media push for extreme “all-natural” diets that can provoke anxiety.

Masculinity Influencer

Creator targeting young males with rigid body/lifestyle ideals.

Vaping / E-Cigarettes

Inhaling aerosolized nicotine or drugs; devices may resemble USB drives.

Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice/K2)

Herbs sprayed with rat-poison chemicals; more dangerous than marijuana.

Inhalants (Huffing)

Volatile substances inhaled for a high, damaging brain and heart.

Non-Oral Alcohol Use

Risky methods (eyeballing, “butt-chugging,” alcohol-soaked tampons) that bypass GI safeguards.

Caffeinated Alcohol

Combining stimulants with alcohol, masking intoxication and spiking heart rate/BP.

Substance Abuse

Chemical use that disrupts health or daily functioning.

Motivational Interviewing

Client-centered counseling that elicits personal goals to guide change.

Affirmation (MI)

Positive statements building rapport and self-efficacy during counseling.

Discrepancy (MI)

Gap between goals and behaviors that motivates change.

Eddie Eagle 4-Step Rule

Gun-safety steps for kids: Stop, Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, Tell an Adult.

Orange Tip

Marker on toy guns; absence may indicate a real firearm.

Life Jacket Use

Wearing a PFD whenever on open water; not just storing one on the boat.

Code Word

Pre-set phrase teens use to signal parents they need a safe exit.

Leading Causes of Teen Death

Accidents (esp. motor vehicle), suicide and homicide.

Growth Plate Closure

End of height increase signaling late adolescence completion.

Calcium Requirement (Teen)

High intake needed for bone growth; often low due to poor diet.

Obesity (Adolescence)

Excess body fat from caloric surplus/sedentary lifestyle; requires anticipatory guidance.

Reward Center Hyperactivity

Heightened sensitivity to pleasure in teen brain, promoting risk behavior.

Peer Acceptance Need

Strong adolescent drive to belong, often outweighing parental influence.

Executive Functioning Delay

Ongoing frontal cortex maturation until ~24, explaining teen impulsivity.