Cognitive, Emotional, & Social Development in Adolescents

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to cognitive, emotional, and social development in adolescents.

Phases of Adolescence

Early: 10-13 years, Middle: 14-17 years, Late: 18-21 years, Emerging Adulthood: 18-25 years.

Adolescence

A developmental stage distinguishing youth from childhood and adulthood.

Detachment

The process of becoming less dependent on parents as adolescents begin to form their own identities.

Puberty

The stage in adolescence characterized by physical and hormonal changes leading to sexual maturity.

Cognitive Development

The process by which an individual learns to think and reason through various mental operations.

Moral Code

The set of personal principles or beliefs that guide a person's behavior and decision-making.

Adolescent Brain Development

Significant changes and growth in the brain structure and function that occur during adolescence.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for complex thought processes and advanced cognitive abilities.

Pre-frontal Cortex

The area of the brain implicated in executive functioning, decision-making, and impulse control.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget’s final stage of cognitive development, allowing for abstract reasoning and logical thought.

Abstract Concepts

Ideas that cannot be directly observed or experienced but can be reasoned about intellectually.

Deductive Reasoning

A logical process where the conclusion follows from the premises given.

Hypothetical Thinking

The ability to make reasoned predictions and consider possibilities that are not directly observable.

Metacognition

The awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes and ability to regulate them.

Kohlberg's Moral Reasoning

A framework outlining the stages of moral development from preconventional to postconventional thought.

Adolescent Egocentrism

A developmental phenomenon where adolescents believe they are the center of everyone’s attention.

Personal Fable

The belief that one's experiences and feelings are unique and not understood by others.

Imaginary Audience

The belief that others are as focused on oneself as one is, causing self-conscious behavior.

Risky Driving Behavior

Increased tendencies toward dangerous driving habits often seen in adolescents compared to adults.

Teen Drinking Stereotypes

Common beliefs about adolescent alcohol use and their relationship with future problems.

Depression in Adolescence

A significant mental health issue affecting a notable percentage of teens, often leading to suicide risks.

At-risk Teens

Adolescents who demonstrate tendencies towards negative behaviors, often due to environmental factors.

Autonomy

The ability to self-govern and independently make decisions, a critical part of adolescent development.

Independence versus Autonomy

Independence refers to acting on one's own, while autonomy emphasizes self-regulation and responsible decision-making.

Fostering Autonomy

The process of encouraging independence in adolescents while maintaining supportive parental involvement.

Search for Identity

The developmental phase during which adolescents explore and attempt to understand their unique characteristics.

Peer Groups

Groups of friends that adolescents choose to interact with based on shared values and interests.

Antisocial Behavior

Conduct that violates social norms or laws, commonly expressed through delinquency in teens.

Conduct Disorder

A mental disorder diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, characterized by a pattern of disruptive behaviors.

Romantic Relationships in Teens

The development of romantic interests and relationships, which vary by sexual orientation.

Adolescence and Gender Identity

The process through which adolescents recognize and define their sexual orientation and identity.

Resilience Factors

Positive influences or characteristics that help adolescents cope with risks and challenges.

Cognitive Abilities Maturation

The process of becoming proficient in basic cognitive skills, generally completed by age 15-16.

Familial Relationships in Adolescence

The dynamic interaction between adolescents and their families, often reflecting both positive and negative experiences.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others, continuing through early adulthood.