Human Development: A Lifespan View - Chapter 8

puberty

collection of physical changes that marks the onset of adolescence, including a growth spurt and the growth of breasts or testes

primary sex characteristics

physical signs of maturity that are directly linked to the reproductive organs

secondary sex characteristics

physical signs of maturity that are not directly linked to reproductive organs

menarche

onset of menstruation

spermarche

first spontaneous ejaculation of sperm

Body Mass Index (BMI)

adjusted ratio of weight to height; used to define "overweight"

anorexia nervosa

persistent refusal to eat accompanied by an irrational fear of being overweight

bulimia nervosa

disease in which people alternate between binge eating - periods when they eat uncontrollably - and purging with laxatives or self-induced vomiting

preconventional level

first level of reasoning in Kohlberg's theory, where moral reasoning is based on external forces

obedience orientation

characteristic of Kohlberg's stage 1, in which moral reasoning is based on the belief that adults know what is right and wrong

instrumental orientation

characteristic of Kohlberg's stage 2, in which moral reasoning is based on the aim of looking out for one's own needs

conventional level

second level of reasoning in Kohlberg's theory, where moral reasoning is based on society's norms

interpersonal norms

characteristic of Kohlberg's stage 3, in which moral reasoning is based on winning the approval of others

social systems morality

characteristic of Kohlberg's stage 4, in which moral reasoning is based on maintenance of order in society.

postconventional morality

third level of reasoning in Kohlberg's theory, in which morality is based on personal moral code

social contract

characteristic of Kohlberg's stage 5, in which moral reasoning is based on the belief that laws are for the good of all members of society

universal ethical principles

characteristic of Kohlberg's stage 6, in which moral reasoning is based on moral principles that apply to all