Ch. 14: Adolescent Development

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to adolescent development, covering key terms and concepts.

Adolescence

The developmental stage bridging childhood and adulthood, characterized by puberty.

Occupational roles

Patterns of behavior individuals identify with, providing guidance on expected responsibilities.

Neural connectivity

Physical links between brain areas that share developmental trajectories.

Prefrontal cortex

Brain area with high neural connectivity, involved in executive functions.

Limbic system

Brain system responsible for emotional life and memory formation.

Striatal system

Influences movement planning and modulation, and is activated by rewarding stimuli.

Risk-taking

Behavior characterized by increased willingness to engage in potentially harmful activities.

Temporal discounting

The tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term consequences.

Tanner Stages

A system used to evaluate stages of puberty development.

Sexuality

The state of being sexual, encompassing physical acts and emotional components.

Epiphysis

The end portion of a long bone, involved in growth and development.

Peak growth velocity

The period of fastest growth, occurring around 13.5 years in boys and 11.5 years in girls.

Circadian rhythm

The natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

Sleep hygiene

Practices that promote consistent and restful sleep.

Motor performance skills

Skills related to physical movement, developing until early adulthood.

Semantic memory

The memory of concepts and word meanings, which expands during adolescence.

Metacognition

Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes.

Judgment

The ability to make considered decisions or sensible conclusions.

Process skills

Problem-solving and decision-making strategies based on experience.

Pragmatics

Social rules governing non-verbal communication in interactions.

Self-care

Ability to perform daily living activities independently.

Body odor

An issue arising during adolescence due to hormonal changes.

Identity formation

The process of establishing a distinct personality and place in society.

Resilience

The ability to cope with stress and bounce back from adversity.

Gender identity

A person's perception of their gender as man or woman.

Sexual identity

A pattern of attraction that may be emotional, romantic, or sexual.

Reference group

A group of friends serving as role models and social standards.

Social media

Platforms used for networking, often affecting adolescent relationships.

Cyberbullying

Online harassment, often associated with social media use.

Sexting

The act of sending sexually explicit messages or images electronically.

Family relationships

Connections that provide resilience and a protective factor in youth development.

Intimacy

The ability to trust and share private thoughts with others.

Vocational choices

Career decisions influenced by personal interests and opportunities.

Community life

Participation in social activities and responsibilities within a community.

Psychosocial development

Growth in emotional and social aspects influenced by relationships and experiences.

Substance abuse

The harmful use of substances such as alcohol and drugs.

Eating disorders

Mental health conditions involving preoccupation with food and body image.

Depression

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest.

Social standards

Norms set by peer groups against which adolescents may judge themselves.

Extracurricular activities

Non-academic engagements that support social development in adolescence.

Peer interactions

Social communications and relationships among friends and acquaintances.

Interpersonal skills

Abilities that facilitate effective communication and interactions with others.

Environmental influences

Factors in one's surroundings that shape behavior and lifestyle.

Achievement motivation

The drive to pursue and attain goals.

Life transitions

Major changes in one’s life stages or circumstances.

Adult responsibilities

Obligations that come with maturity in life and work.