Adolescent Cognitive and Socioemotional Development

These flashcards cover key concepts from adolescent cognitive and socioemotional development, highlighting definitions, theories, and developmental stages.

Formal Operational Stage

The stage of cognitive development that begins around 11-12 years, characterized by the ability to think beyond the here and now and reason about abstract and hypothetical concepts.

Concrete Operational Thinking

A stage of cognitive development that is limited to logical reasoning about tangible, concrete situations.

Abstract Thinking

The ability to reason logically and mentally manipulate ideas about situations that are not real or immediately tangible.

Propositional Thinking

The ability to determine whether a set of statements is logically valid based on the wording alone.

Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning

A systematic, scientific approach to problem-solving where hypotheses are generated about variables and tested.

Social-Cognitive Egocentrism

A self-focused way of thinking in adolescence that leads to overestimating how unique their experiences are.

Personal Fable

The belief that one's own thoughts and feelings are uniquely special and different from everyone else’s.

Imaginary Audience

The belief that others are constantly watching, judging, and paying attention to everything one does.

Kohlberg's Moral Reasoning Levels

The three broad levels of moral reasoning: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.

Preconventional Level of Moral Reasoning

Where moral judgments are based on external consequences; includes punishment/obedience and naïve hedonism.

Conventional Level of Moral Reasoning

Where moral judgments focus on social approval and maintaining social order.

Postconventional Level of Moral Reasoning

Where moral judgments are based on abstract principles and social contracts.

Entity Theory of Intelligence

The belief that intelligence is a fixed trait that does not change much over time.

Incremental Theory of Intelligence

The belief that intelligence is malleable and can be improved through effort, practice, and learning.

Performance Goal Orientation

Focusing on outcomes such as grades and outperforming others rather than on learning.

Mastery (Learning) Goal Orientation

Focusing on learning and improving skills rather than just performance.

Experience Sampling

A method in which adolescents report their emotions or behaviors in real time to capture moment-to-moment fluctuations.

Daily Diary Method

A method where adolescents rate or describe their emotions and experiences at the end of each day.

Emotional Changes in Adolescence

Characterized by high emotional reactivity, intense emotions, and a trend of declining happiness along with increased anger and anxiety.

Sex Differences in Depression Rates

Girls are more likely than boys to experience depression, often due to rumination on negative emotions.

Self-Regulation (Emotional) in Adolescence

The ability to manage and integrate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors for goal attainment.

Delay Discounting

A measure of self-regulation involving the choice between smaller immediate rewards and larger delayed rewards.

Risk-Taking in Adolescence

Adolescents are more likely to take risks, especially in the presence of peers.

Cliques

Small, friendship-based peer groups characterized by intensive interactions and emotional involvement.

Crowds

Larger, loosely connected groups defined by shared reputations or stereotypes.

Types of Aggression in Adolescence

Includes physical aggression, verbal aggression, relational aggression, and cyberbullying.

Influence of Peer Relationships

They provide emotional support, shape social behavior, and can either buffer or increase risk for problems like depression and bullying.