Life Span Development: Adolescence & Adulthood

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to life span development during adolescence and adulthood.

Adolescence

A transition period from childhood to adulthood.

Puberty

The stage of development in which individuals undergo physical changes due to increased sex hormones, leading to primary and secondary sex characteristics.

Neurons

Cells in the brain that proliferate, connect with one another, and undergo selective pruning during development.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around the nerves, which continues in the frontal cortex during adolescence.

Frontal Cortex

The part of the brain that lags behind the limbic system's development during adolescence.

Moral Intuition

The concept that moral reasoning in adolescents may be influenced by emotions related to concepts like disgust and generosity.

Kohlberg's Moral Reasoning

A framework describing the progression of moral reasoning through three levels: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.

Erikson's Psychosocial Development

A theory that suggests each age presents psychological challenges that must be resolved to develop strengths for the next stage.

Emerging Adulthood

A developmental stage characterized by extended education and delayed marriage, leading to prolonged interdependence.

Alzheimer's Disease

A neurodegenerative condition characterized by memory loss, emotional unpredictability, and confusion, often associated with aging.

Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs)

Disorders that affect cognitive function and are not part of primary aging.

Social Clock

A societal expectation for achievement and milestones throughout life stages.