chapter 11 devpsych

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Adolescence as a developmental transition.

Adolescence

A developmental transition between childhood and adulthood entailing major physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes.

Puberty

Process by which a person attains sexual maturity and the ability to reproduce.

Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning

Ability to develop, consider, and test hypotheses, characterizing Piaget's formal operations.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Organs directly related to reproduction that enlarge and mature during adolescence.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physiological signs of sexual maturation that do not involve the sex organs, such as breast development and growth of body hair.

Spermarche

Boy's first ejaculation.

Menarche

Girl's first menstruation.

Adolescent Growth Spurt

Sharp increase in height and weight that precedes sexual maturity.

Imaginary Audience

Adolescents' belief that they are the focus of others' attention, creating self-consciousness.

Personal Fable

Adolescents' belief that their experiences are unique and that they are not subject to the rules governing others.

Secular Trend

Trend observed over several generations, such as the trend toward earlier attainment of adult height and sexual maturity in the past century.

Cognitive Maturation

Development attributed to the brain maturation and environmental opportunities influencing adolescents' cognitive skills.

Self-efficacy

Belief in one's ability to accomplish tasks and achieve goals, significantly influencing academic performance.

Body Image

Descriptive and evaluative beliefs about one’s appearance, which can affect self-esteem and lead to eating disorders.

Substance Abuse

Repeated, harmful use of a substance, typically alcohol or other drugs, potentially leading to addiction.

Kohlberg’s Levels of Moral Reasoning

Stages of moral development that range from preconventional morality, through conventional morality, to postconventional morality.

Eating Disorders

Serious health issues arising from extreme dietary habits, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Educational Aspirations

Goals regarding education and career paths influenced by self-efficacy, parental values, and socio-cultural factors.

Risky Behaviors

Actions taken by adolescents that can lead to negative physical and psychosocial outcomes, such as substance abuse or reckless driving.

Psychosocial Changes

Developmental changes during adolescence involving identity formation, social relationships, and emotional development.