adolescent psych exam 1

What is the lifespan perspective?

The idea that development is a lifelong process.

what is adolescence?

The period from childhood to adulthood, emerging as puberty began earlier and adulthood later.

Historical biosocial theories of adolescence emphasize what?

“Storm and stress” caused by hormonal changes of puberty.

Current biosocial theories focus on what?

Brain anatomy and activity changes causing “teen angst.”

What do organismic theories (e.g., Erikson) emphasize?

Interaction between biological forces and contextual forces (stages of conflict).

Behaviorism/social learning views adolescence as?

• No different than other stages; basic learning mechanisms apply equally.

Sociological theories emphasize what?

Factors adolescents share by virtue of age (e.g., marginality, generational divide).

Anthropological perspectives say adolescence is…?

A culturally defined experience, sometimes viewed as an “invention.

What is a longitudinal design?

Same group studied repeatedly; pros: powerful, controlled; cons: time-consuming, costly, attrition.

What is a cross-sectional design?

Different groups studied at one time; pro: faster; con: no individual differences, cohort effects.

What is a sequential design?

Combines longitudinal + cross-sectional; reveals cohort effects and tracks age-related changes.

What triggers puberty?

Hypothalamus signals pituitary → gonads → sex hormones.

What wakes up the hypothalamus?

Sexual partners, light/nutrition, genetics.

Growth spurt changes?

~10 inches taller, adult body proportions, brain changes, girls earlier.

Muscle-to-fat ratio after puberty?

Boys 3:1, girls 5:4

What influences pubertal timing?

Genetics, nutrition, health, stress, family environment

What is the secular trend in puberty?

Earlier onset due to nutrition, healthcare, light.

Hypothetical/if-then thinking allows for…?

Planning, alternatives, consequences, perspective-taking.

What is adolescent egocentrism?

Focus on self; includes imaginary audience & personal fable.

Imaginary audience vs personal fable?

Imaginary audience: “everyone notices me.” Personal fable: “I’m unique/invincible.”

Piagetian vs information-processing views?

Piaget: stages, qualitative shifts. Info-processing: continuous small improvements.

What is synaptogenesis?

Overproduction of synapses, then pruning unused ones.

What is myelination?

Growth of white matter, speeds up processing.

Brain develops from…?

Back (occipital) to front (prefrontal)

What is emerging adulthood?

18–25, characterized by identity exploration, instability, self-focus, “in-between” feeling, optimism.

Social redefinition practices often involve…?

Separation from parents, gender differences, passing knowledge down.

variations in clarity

Clear: initiation ceremonies, shared religion. Vague: self-reliance, school-based.

What is collective efficacy?

Neighbors’ trust, shared values, willingness to monitor youth.