PSY–111 General Psychology II - Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Development II: Adolescence to the End lecture.

What is Adolescence?

The developmental stage between childhood and adulthood, marked by significant biological, social, emotional, and cognitive changes.

What primarily causes the physical changes at the start of adolescence?

A surge in growth hormone levels.

What is puberty?

The period at which maturation of the sexual organs occurs.

How might early maturation affect boys?

May feel isolated, be at risk for mental health issues, but may do better in athletics, be more popular, and have positive self-concepts.

How might early maturation affect girls?

May be sought after as dates and have better self-esteem, but early breast development may lead to ridicule.

How might late maturation affect boys?

tend to feel ridiculed and less attractive.

How might late maturation affect girls?

Hold relatively low social status and may be overlooked in dating.

What is Lawrence Kohlberg's view on moral development?

People pass through a series of stages in the evolution of their sense of justice and in the kind of reasoning they use to make moral judgments.

What are Kohlberg's three levels of moral reasoning?

Level 1: Preadolescent children who reason in terms of concrete, unvarying rules. Level 2: Older children who focus on broad rules of society. Level 3: Adolescents who consider moral issues in terms of principles broader than societal rules.

According to research, how do men and women differ in their views of moral behavior?

Men view morality in terms of broad principles, like justice and fairness, while women see it in terms of responsibility toward individuals and willingness to make sacrifices.

What represents the highest level of morality (according to lecture)?

Compassionate concern for the welfare of others.

What is the fifth stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development?

The identity-versus-role-confusion stage.

What occurs during the identity-versus-role-confusion stage?

People try to determine what is unique about themselves, discovering who they are, their strengths, and best-suited roles.

What is the sixth stage of Erikson’s theory?

The intimacy-versus-isolation stage.

What is the seventh stage of Erikson’s theory?

The generativity-versus-stagnation stage.

What is the last stage of Erikson’s theory?

The ego-integrity-versus-despair stage.

Is adolescence invariably a stormy, rebellious period?

It's a myth. Most young people pass through adolescence without great turmoil and get along with their parents reasonably well.

What is the second leading cause of death among individuals between ages 10 and 17 in the USA?

Suicide.

What factors play a role in adolescent suicide?

Depression, perfectionism, bullying, family issues, substance abuse.

What are some warning signs of a potential suicide attempt?

School problems, self-destructive behavior, appetite/sleeping problems, signs of depression, preoccupation with death, giving away possessions, announcing suicidal thoughts.

What is the transitional phase between adolescence and early adulthood called?

Emerging adulthood.

When does early adulthood mark the peak of physical health?

From about 18 to 25 years of age.

What happens around age 25?

The body becomes slightly less efficient and more susceptible to disease.

What are some common physical changes during middle adulthood?

Weight gain, less sensitive sense organs, and slower reactions.

What major biological change occurs in women during middle adulthood?

Menopause.

How has the institution of marriage changed?

The average age at which marriage takes place is higher.

What are the economic consequences for children living in homes with one parent?

Single-parent families are often economically less well off, impacting children’s opportunities.

How has the distribution of household tasks between husbands and wives changed?

Working wives are still more likely than husbands to feel responsible for traditional homemaking tasks.

How are gerontologists making important contributions?

Focusing on the period of life that starts at around age 65.

What are the theories of aging?

Genetic programming and wear-and-tear theories.

What skills remain steady and improve during late adulthood?

Skills relating to crystallized intelligence.

What is a progressive brain disorder that leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in cognitive abilities?

Alzheimer's disease.

What is the major alternative to disengagement theory?

Activity theory.

What does the activity theory of aging state?

People who age most successfully are those who maintain the interests, activities, and level of social interaction they experienced during their earlier periods of adulthood.

What occurs during the process of life review?

People examine and evaluate their lives, resolving problems and facing life with greater wisdom and serenity.