Adolescence

Adolescence

The period starting at the first period (menarche) for girls and first ejaculation (spermarche) for boys, characterized by biological and social changes leading to a stable, independent role in society.

Puberty onset

The beginning of physical changes during adolescence, marked by sex differences becoming more apparent, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Adolescent growth spurt

A phase in puberty characterized by a rapid increase in height, independent of previous height, contributing to approximately 35% of the variation in adult height.

Erikson's Identity Crisis

In adolescence, the crisis of identity according to Erik Erikson, where individuals seek confidence in their inner continuity amid changes, with men needing to establish a stable identity before intimacy.

Marcia's Identity Statuses

Categorization of individuals based on social, political, religious, and vocational domains, reflecting transitions between statuses like moratorium and achievement.

Parent-teen relationship change theories

Disengagement theory suggests emotional and behavioral independence, while continuity and transformation theory emphasizes psychological independence with continued connectedness.

Neurological changes in adolescence

Dramatic changes in the prefrontal cortex, involving synaptic proliferation followed by pruning, impacting functions like decision-making, emotion regulation, and social interaction.

Social risk in adolescence

The concept that teenagers are more influenced by the risk of social rejection by peers than other negative outcomes, leading to both prosocial and antisocial behaviors.

Brain activity in adolescence

Teenagers show more activation in risk-taking brain regions when with friends compared to being alone, highlighting the influence of peer presence on behavior.

Adolescent interventions

Emphasizing the importance of individualized approaches, life skills, and executive functions, supporting safe risk-taking opportunities, and considering environmental factors for effective programs and policies.