Module 4 – The Challenges of Adolescence

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on adolescent challenges, family functions, social learning theory, temperament, Big Five traits, mental-health issues, and support systems.

Secure Base

The stable emotional and physical support system, usually provided by the family, that adolescents can rely on while they seek independence.

Functions of the Family

Core roles of a family: providing stability, unconditional love, support, and role modeling for developing adolescents.

Social Learning Theory

Albert Bandura's theory that most human behavior is learned through observing and modeling others.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others’ behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors, central to Social Learning Theory.

Role Modeling

Demonstrating behaviors that children and adolescents imitate, influencing their own actions and attitudes.

Media Overconsumption

Excessive exposure to television, social media, or online content, linked to emotional dysregulation, addiction, poor language use, and antisocial behavior.

Emotional Dysregulation

Difficulty managing and responding to emotional experiences in an adaptive way.

Temperament

A biologically based, inherited personality characteristic involving emotional qualities and behavioral tendencies.

Big Five Personality Traits

Model by Robert McCrae and Paul Costa that groups personality into five broad dimensions: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

OCEAN Acronym

Mnemonic for remembering the Big Five traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism.

Openness

Personality trait describing creativity, imagination, and curiosity; low levels reflect conventionality.

Conscientiousness

Trait denoting discipline, organization, and dependability; low levels reflect carelessness.

Extraversion

Trait reflecting sociability, assertiveness, and high energy; low levels denote reserve.

Agreeableness

Trait indicating compassion, cooperation, and kindness; low levels involve critical or argumentative behavior.

Neuroticism

Trait relating to emotional instability, anxiety, and moodiness; low levels show calmness.

Balancing Expectations

The adolescent task of reconciling pressures from parents, peers, teachers, and the community with personal goals.

Mental Health Literacy

Knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders that aid recognition, management, and prevention.

Stigma

Negative attitudes or discrimination toward people seeking mental health help, often deterring adolescents from treatment.

Self-Criticism

Harsh self-evaluation that can contribute to depression, social anxiety, and low self-worth in teens.

Self-Presentation

Deliberate effort to present oneself favorably to others, influenced by family, friends, and close relationships.

Values Integration

Process by which adolescents align personal behavior with family, peer, and community values to meet life’s demands.

Support System

Network of family, peers, and community members that provides emotional and practical help to adolescents.

Adolescent Emotional Vulnerability

Heightened sensitivity to emotional challenges during teen years, increasing risk for depression and anxiety.

Albert Bandura

Psychologist who developed Social Learning Theory emphasizing modeling and observational learning.

Robert McCrae

Psychologist who, alongside Paul Costa, formulated the Big Five Personality Trait model.

Paul Costa

Psychologist who co-developed the Big Five Personality Trait model with Robert McCrae.