dev psych flashcards

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture notes on biological transitions, cognitive changes, and social development during adolescence, aimed at preparing for an exam on these topics.

What is puberty?

The period during which an individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction and experiences physical changes.

What regulates hormones in the body?

The endocrine system.

What are GnRH neurons?

Neurons in the brain that play important roles in initiating puberty.

What hormones trigger the onset of puberty?

Kisspeptin, leptin, and melatonin.

What is the HPG axis?

A hormonal feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.

What does the hypothalamus do in the endocrine system?

Monitors levels of sex hormones and signals the pituitary gland.

What is Adrenarche?

The maturation of the adrenal glands that leads to early sexual feelings before puberty.

What body changes are triggered by puberty?

Growth spurts, sexual maturation, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

What is the average growth spurt in puberty?

about 3 inches (10.3 centimetres) per year for boys and about 3.5 inches (9.0 centimetres) per year for girls.

What is peak height velocity?

The point at which an adolescent is growing most rapidly.

What are Tanner stages?

A widely used system that describes the five stages of pubertal development.

Which ethnic group of girls matures first?

Black females.

How does genetics influence puberty timing?

Genetic disposition sets an upper and lower age limit for the timing of puberty.

What role does nutrition play in puberty timing?

Better nutrition is linked to earlier puberty onset.

What does metacognition refer to?

Thinking about one's own thinking.

How does early maturation affect girls' self-image?

Early maturers often have poorer self-image and higher rates of eating disorders.

What influences changes in adolescent cognition?

Biological, environmental, and social factors.

What are the two main theoretical perspectives on adolescent thinking?

The Piagetian view and the information processing view.

What is adolescent egocentrism?

An extreme self-absorption typically found in adolescents.

What does 'personal fable' mean in the context of adolescence?

The belief that one is unique and not subject to the same rules as others.

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex during adolescence?

It is crucial for sophisticated thinking, planning, and impulse control.

What changes occur in brain structure during adolescence?

Synaptic pruning and myelination improve information processing.

What is developmental plasticity?

The ability of the brain to remodel itself in response to experiences during childhood and adolescence.

What does the term 'emerging adulthood' refer to?

A stage of life occurring roughly between ages 18-25, characterized by exploration and instability.

What is the legal age of adulthood referred to as?

Age of majority.

How does the timing of menarche relate to cultural factors?

The age of menarche can vary greatly by culture and environmental circumstances.

What is one impact of social redefinition in adolescence?

Increased responsibility and independence in decision-making.

What is a 'status offense'?

A violation of the law that pertains to minors but not adults.

What economic factors affect contemporary transitions into adulthood?

Increased costs of living and housing.

What does 'maturity gap' refer to?

The discrepancy between adolescents' cognitive capabilities and emotional maturity. Adolescents' intellectual capability reaches adult levels before they are emotionally and socially mature, creating what some psychologists have called a “maturity gap.” 

What is the main focus of adolescent risk-taking?

The engagement in behaviors that can lead to harm, often due to a focus on peers and rewards.

How do cognitive abilities change by age 15?

Adolescents are generally as proficient as adults in basic cognitive abilities.

What emphasizes the significance of social cognition in adolescence?

Gains in understanding interpersonal relationships and social dynamics.

What are the characteristics of sensation seeking in adolescents?

The pursuit of novel and exciting experiences.

What is one effect of delayed sleep patterns in adolescents?

Sleep deprivation, contributing to negative outcomes like depression.

What role do family relationships play during puberty?

Increased conflict and distancing between parents and children often occurs.

How does cultural perception differ regarding the age of emerging adults?

Emerging adulthood is not universally recognized and varies by culture.

What does the cognitive developmental perspective suggest about adolescent thinking?

It progresses qualitatively through distinct stages according to Piaget.

What are the main features that characterize emerging adulthood?

Exploration of identity, instability, self-focus, and feeling caught between adolescence and adulthood.

What social transition often occurs during adolescence?

The development of adult status and recognition by society.

What are the implications of cognitive development for adolescent behavior?

Adolescents are capable of making decisions but may still act impulsively due to emotional state.

What is adolescent relativism?

The shift from seeing things as absolute to viewing them as relative.

What is the function of the pituitary gland in puberty?

It signals the gonads to release more sex hormones when prompted by the hypothalamus.

What is the impact of early sexual feelings during adolescence?

They often precede physical maturation and indicate beginning sexual development.

What health issues are linked to adolescent obesity?

Eating disorders and body dissatisfaction.

What do scholars study to understand the variations of puberty onset?

Individual differences among adolescents and group differences by ethnicity and culture.

What are the current trends regarding home leaving among young adults?

More young people are living with their parents longer than in previous generations.

How do early and late maturation compare among boys?

Early maturers experience popularity but may also face risks like delinquency.

What is the function of dopamine in adolescent brain development?

It regulates reward experiences and influences motivation.

What does effective scaffolding refer to in Vygotsky's theory of intelligence?

Providing support that is just within the reach of the student to boost learning.

What societal values can influence the transition from adolescence to adulthood?

Cultural expectations and economic conditions can greatly impact this transition.

What does 'hypothetical thinking' allow adolescents to do?

Plan ahead and consider consequences of actions.

How is adolescent identity influenced by social transitions?

Increased responsibilities and societal recognition shape adolescent self-concept.

What discrepancies exist in adolescents’ legal status?

Different rights and responsibilities are often inconsistently applied across various domains.

What role does self-reliance play in adult definitions today?

More emphasis is placed on self-reliance rather than specific roles.

What is the relationship between stress and puberty onset?

Modest stress can speed the onset of puberty.

What are the long-term effects of early maturation in girls?

Often leads to higher rates of depression and societal pressures.

How do adolescent friendships differ from childhood friendships?

They become more complex and are often based on shared interests and emotional support.

What pressures do adolescents face regarding substance use?

Peer pressure can lead to increased experimentation with drugs and alcohol.

In what way does social media affect adolescent development?

It can distort images and increase body dissatisfaction among youth.

What social changes characterize the process of becoming an adult?

Shifts in relationships, independence, and personal responsibility increase.

How does global culture influence adolescent transitions?

Modernization can create more similarities in adolescent experiences across cultures.

What are the long-term implications of risk-taking behavior during adolescence?

Increases the likelihood of engaging in unsafe practices in adulthood.

How do educational expectations change from adolescence to adulthood?

Expectations for independent living and career choices increase significantly.

What experience do emerging adults crave according to research?

Experimentation and exploration before committing to adult responsibilities.

What are common reactions to the onset of menarche among adolescents?

Generally more positive, linked to better information about menstruation.

How is synaptic pruning essential for brain efficiency?

It eliminates unnecessary connections, improving cognitive processing.

What does the concept of 'continuous transitions' mean in traditional cultures?

Gradual integration of adult roles through observation and experience.

What connection does the age of first sexual experiences have with puberty?

Early sexual experiences often correlate with early onset of bodily changes.

Why do adolescents report being more self-conscious than adults?

Increased sensitivity to social judgment and peer feedback.

What does the term 'executive function' refer to?

Advanced cognitive processes for planning and impulse control.

How does cognitive ability in adolescents compare to that of adults?

Adolescents have comparable basic cognitive abilities but develop more complex ones later.

What challenges do adolescents face in terms of social relationships?

Navigating peer dynamics and expectations while establishing independence.

What strategies can help reduce adolescent risk-taking?

Setting limits and promoting safe environments for positive risk-taking.

How can understanding metacognition improve learning in adolescents?

Allows students to assess their learning processes and outcomes better.

Why is there a focus on identity exploration during emerging adulthood?

It allows individuals to shape their personal and professional futures.

What implications do economic factors have on adolescent development?

Economic instability can prolong dependence on familial support.

What societal shift is acknowledged regarding the notion of adulthood?

The importance of marriage and parenthood is declining as markers of adulthood.

What effect does the increased complexity of roles have on adolescents?

They may experience confusion and stress in determining their path to adulthood.

How has the concept of adolescence evolved in modern society?

It is viewed more as a distinct life stage influenced by social and economic conditions.

What is the importance of studying adolescence in different cultures?

It provides insights into varying experiences and expectations during this developmental stage.

How do peer relationships impact risk-taking behaviors?

Teens are more likely to take risks when with peers compared to alone.

What factors make adolescent cognition distinct from that of children?

Increased abstract thinking and understanding of social dynamics.

What does 'social cognition' encompass?

Understanding interpersonal relationships and social structures during adolescence.

What educational strategies foster adolescent development?

Scaffolding and promoting opportunities for autonomy and decision-making.

How do societal expectations transform during adolescence?

There is a growing expectation for self-reliance and independence.

What are variations in the continuity of social transitions?

Some cultures have smooth transitions while others have abrupt changes.

How does adolescent brain development influence decision-making?

Changes in brain structure and function affect impulsivity and risk assessment.

What implications does adolescent turmoil have on mental health?

It can exacerbate vulnerability to mental health issues.

How do brain maturation and psychosocial maturity relate?

Cognitive abilities may reach adult levels before emotional maturity does.

What is 'sensation seeking' and how is it expressed in adolescents?

The pursuit of novel experiences, often manifesting as risk-taking.

How are economic forces relevant to emerging adulthood?

They can delay transitions into adult responsibilities and roles.

What is the link between gender roles and social transitions in adolescence?

Cultural expectations often dictate different paths for males and females.

What is the significance of learning environments in cognitive development?

Supportive environments enhance adolescent brain plasticity and learning outcomes.

How do social variables impact identity formation during adolescence?

Peer input and cultural context shape self-perception and social identity.

What societal pressures influence adolescent wellbeing?

Expectations for performance can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

How do early experiences shape adolescent risks?

They establish patterns for later behavior, both positive and negative.

What role does executive function play in managing adolescent responsibilities?

It aids in planning and decision-making for navigating complex social situations.

How do parents impact adolescent development and risk behavior?

Authoritative parenting styles generally lead to better outcomes in managing risk.

What is the essence of the psychological experience in emerging adulthood?

Exploration of identity, gaining independence, and facing uncertainty.