Developmental Stages in Middle and Late Adolescence

Vocabulary flashcards covering key theories, stages, tasks, and contemporary issues related to middle and late adolescent development.

Development

Gradual and ongoing changes across the lifespan that lay the foundation for later skills and abilities.

Adolescence

Transitional life period (roughly 12-21) marked by rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial change.

Early Adolescence

Stage from 12-14 years characterized by biological change and initial acceptance of one’s emerging reproductive capability and physique.

Middle Adolescence

Stage from 15-17 years focused on forming mature peer relationships, gender-role identity, and emotional independence.

Late Adolescence

Stage from 18-21 years emphasizing preparation for work, marriage, values clarification, and socially responsible behavior.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory

Framework proposing eight stages where social relationships trigger conflicts whose resolution builds core virtues.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson’s 12-18 stage where teens explore who they are to gain a firm sense of self and life purpose.

Role Confusion

Lack of commitment to goals or values, leaving the adolescent unsure of identity and societal place.

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Three-level, six-stage model explaining how moral reasoning evolves from self-interest to universal ethics.

Preconventional Morality

Kohlberg level where right and wrong are judged by personal consequences (reward or punishment).

Conventional Morality

Kohlberg level where morality is based on social approval, authority, and maintaining order—typical of adolescents.

Postconventional Morality

Highest Kohlberg level where reasoning rests on social contracts, individual rights, and universal principles.

Obedience and Punishment Orientation

Stage 1 moral reasoning focused on avoiding punishment.

Individualism and Exchange

Stage 2 moral reasoning where fairness is viewed in terms of equal exchange or personal gain.

Good Interpersonal Relationships

Stage 3 morality emphasizing being ‘good’ to gain approval and maintain relationships.

Maintaining the Social Order

Stage 4 morality prioritizing law, duty, and authority to keep society functioning.

Social Contract and Individual Rights

Stage 5 reasoning that laws should promote the greatest good and can be changed for justice.

Universal Ethical Principles

Stage 6 reasoning guided by self-chosen, abstract principles like justice and human rights.

Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory

Four-stage model describing how thinking develops through schema construction, assimilation, and accommodation.

Schema

Mental framework of prior knowledge used to interpret new information.

Assimilation

Adding new information into an existing schema because it fits.

Accommodation

Modifying a schema when new information does not fit; involves change.

Equilibration

Process of balancing assimilation and accommodation to achieve cognitive stability.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget stage (0-2) where infants learn via sensory experience and motor actions.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget stage (2-7) marked by symbolic thinking but limited logical reasoning.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget stage (7-11) where logical operations apply to concrete objects and events.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget stage (12+) enabling abstract, hypothetical, and deductive reasoning.

Havighurst’s Developmental Task Theory

View that people must master age-specific tasks to achieve happiness and adjust well.

Developmental Task

A socially expected skill, attitude, or function that must be achieved at a particular life stage.

Status Symbol

Object possessed to signal higher social standing or prestige.

Materialism

Prioritizing ownership of goods and outward image over inner qualities and relationships.

Digital Natives

Modern teenagers who have grown up using digital technology, making them tech-savvy and information-flexible.

Taking Charge

Choosing one’s responses, accepting accountability, and avoiding excuses for personal behavior.

Self-Esteem

A strong sense of personal worth essential for responsible, successful adulthood.

Empathy

Capacity to understand and share another person’s feelings; key to moral and social development.

Peer Pressure

Influence from age-mates that can sway decisions and behaviors, requiring wise friend choices.