Adolescent Development Theories and Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering theories, stages, and key concepts related to adolescent development.

Adolescence

A transitional period of rapid physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional change between childhood and adulthood.

Principles of Development

Sequential, gradual, individualized, and holistic processes influenced by genes and environment.

Storm and Stress

Heightened emotional turbulence often experienced during adolescence.

Imaginary Audience

Adolescents’ belief that others are constantly watching and judging them.

Personal Fable

Adolescents’ conviction that their feelings and experiences are unique and special.

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

Erikson’s adolescent crisis of forming a stable sense of self or becoming unsure of one’s role.

Erikson’s Eight Stages

Psychosocial stages outlining conflicts from infancy to late adulthood.

Psychosexual Theory (Freud)

Personality develops through childhood stages; unresolved conflicts can cause adult fixations.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget’s 0-2 yrs period where knowledge comes from sensory and motor interaction.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget’s 2-7 yrs stage marked by symbolic thinking and egocentrism.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget’s 7-11 yrs stage where logical thought, conservation, and cause-effect understanding emerge.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget’s 12+ yrs stage characterized by abstract and hypothetical reasoning.

Pre-conventional Level

Kohlberg’s first moral level (ages 4-10) focused on obedience and self-interest.

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment

Right and wrong judged by avoiding punishment.

Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange

Morality based on personal needs and benefits.

Conventional Level

Kohlberg’s second moral level focused on conformity and maintaining social order.

Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

Behavior judged by intentions and need for social approval.

Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order

Morality based on obeying laws and respecting authority.

Post-conventional Level

Kohlberg’s third moral level involving abstract principles; not all reach it.

Stage 5: Social Contract & Individual Rights

Laws valued but changeable when they fail to promote justice.

Stage 6: Universal Principles

Morality guided by internal justice principles even against laws.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association, as demonstrated by Pavlov.

Operant Conditioning

Learning through rewards and punishments, coined by Skinner.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

Positive Punishment

Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Taking away a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Asocial / Pre-attachment

0-6 weeks; infants respond to people but show no strong preference.

Indiscriminate Attachment

6 weeks-7 months; accepts comfort from anyone yet recognizes familiar faces.

Specific Attachment

7-9 months; strong bond with one caregiver; separation anxiety appears.

Multiple Attachments

10+ months; bonds form with several caregivers.

Social Learning Theory

Bandura’s idea that learning occurs by observing and imitating others.

Attention (SLT)

Observer notices and deems a behavior important.

Retention (SLT)

Observer stores the behavior in memory for later use.

Reproduction (SLT)

Observer attempts to imitate the behavior when able.

Motivation (SLT)

Decision to perform the behavior, influenced by rewards or values.

Sociocultural Theory

Vygotsky’s view that cognitive growth stems from social and cultural interaction.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Difference between what a learner can do alone and with guidance.

Scaffolding

Temporary support given by an expert to help a learner master a task within the ZPD.

More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)

Person who provides guidance within the learner’s ZPD.

Developmental Task: Body Acceptance

Adolescents must accept, care for, and protect their physical bodies.

Developmental Task: Sexuality Management

Understand and manage emerging sexuality and related roles.

Developmental Task: Career Preparation

Select and prepare for a job or career path.

Developmental Task: Value System

Adopt personal values to guide behavior and decisions.

Developmental Task: Peer Relationships

Establish mature relationships with peers of both sexes.

Developmental Task: Parent Relationships

Re-create and mature the relationship with parents.

Developmental Task: Social Responsibility

Develop socially acceptable behavior and sense of responsibility.

Developmental Task: Family Life Management

Become competent in matters of family life and home management.