Chapter 13: Physical Development and Adult Cognition

Peak Physical Development

Physical strength peaks around age 30.

Biological Aging

Genetically influenced decline in organ function.

Asynchronous Aging

Decline rate varies significantly among individuals.

Collagen Loss

Gradual decrease leads to wrinkles and sagging.

Reproductive Capacity Decline

Significant decline after age 35.

Smoking Consequences

Leading preventable cause of death, harming all organs.

Binge Drinking Definition

Men: 5+ drinks; Women: 4+ in 2 hours.

Binge Drinking Statistics

44% of surveyed undergraduates reported binge drinking.

Cultural Norms Influence

Adolescent heterosexual activity shaped by societal expectations.

Gender Differences in Sexuality

Males report permissive attitudes; females face social pressure.

Sexual Minority Challenges

Unique issues in self-discovery and social acceptance.

Stages of Sexual Identity Development

Includes awareness, exploration, and coming out.

Dialectical Operations

Integrating contradictions into a broader understanding.

Epistemic Cognition

Younger individuals view knowledge as discrete units.

Dualistic Thinking

Younger perspective: right/wrong, good/bad.

Relativistic Thinking

Older perspective: few absolute truths exist.

Postformal Thought Characteristics

Includes relativism, contradiction, and synthesis.

Relativism

Awareness of multiple truths in understanding.

Contradiction in Reality

Recognizing contradictions as fundamental aspects of life.

Synthesis in Thought

Combining contradictory thoughts into a cohesive framework.

Cognitive Impact of College

College experience influences cognitive and psychosocial development.