Adolescence Lecture Flashcards

Flashcards for Adolescence Lecture

Adolescence

The period of transition between childhood and adulthood, historically ages 12-18, from onset of puberty to legal independence.

Developmental Tasks of Adolescence

Social and emotional relationships, de-idealizing and separating from parents, centralising peer relationships, more complex abstract thinking, development of identity, increasing autonomy, emotional and behavioural.

Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017)

basic psychological needs theory and relationships motivation theory. people are most motivated when their basic psychological needs are met

Basic Psychological Needs

Autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

effects of controlling/coercive parenting in adolescence

Leads to need frustration, more emotional and behavioural problems; can negatively impact later relationships.

Adolescent Brain Development

A period of dramatic change in the brain involving synaptic pruning, myelin formation, and hormonal changes.

Synaptic Pruning

Unwanted or unused connections are discarded, leading to significant restructuring of the brain; adolescents lose up to 17% of grey matter.

Hormonal Changes in Adolescence

More cortisol, teenage amygdala less able to deal with fear and anger, more varying serotonin, increased dopamine, melatonin released later.

Adolescent Sleep Patterns

Teens need 9-10 hours of sleep ideally, but most get 6-7 or less due to later melatonin release and early school starts, linked to low mood and poorer learning.

Storm and Strife

Emotional turmoil and behavioural difficulties, characterised by conflict.

Protective Factors for Adolescent Mental Health

Supportive family members, development of skills and interests, emotional regulation, academic achievement.

Resilience

The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.