Child & Adolescent Development: Gender and Sexuality

A set of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary terms and definitions related to gender and sexuality development in children and adolescents.

Gender

The sense of being male or female.

Sex

Refers to sexual anatomy, indicated by XX or XY chromosomes.

Biological Influences

Factors that have significant impact on gender-related behavior, including hormones.

Social-Cognitive Influences

The role of social interactions and cognitive processes in shaping gender behavior.

Gender Schema Theory

The idea that children develop cognitive frameworks that help them understand gender-related behaviors.

Androgenized Females

Females exposed to high levels of male hormones in the womb, leading to behaviors typically associated with males.

Prenatal Hormones

Hormones that play a crucial role in gender-related behaviors starting from the womb.

Gender Equality Paradox

The observation that in cultures with more gender equality, larger gender gaps in various domains exist.

Emotional Non-Readiness

A risk factor for adolescent sexual activity where individuals are not emotionally prepared.

Contraceptive Use

Usage of birth control methods to prevent pregnancy during sexual activity.

Relational Aggression

A form of aggression shown by girls through social manipulation, like gossiping and rumors.

Testosterone

A male hormone crucial for physical aggression and dominance, linked to various male behaviors.

Empathy

The ability to recognize and understand others' feelings; females generally score higher than males.

Cognitive Differences

Variations in cognitive abilities, where certain skills may be stronger in either gender.

Sexual Minority

Individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, often experiencing unique social challenges.

Homophobia

Irrational negativity or prejudice directed toward individuals with same-sex attractions.

Cognitive Development

The progression of thinking and understanding that influences gender identity and behavior.

Life Expectancy

The average duration of life; generally higher for females than males from conception.

Sexual Initiation

The age at which individuals first engage in sexual intercourse; varies across cultures.

Peer Relations

The interactions and connections between individuals of the same age, differing between genders.

Assertiveness

A personality trait where individuals value self-assertion; typically stronger in boys.

Gender Role Expectations

Cultural norms dictating appropriate behaviors and attitudes for males and females.

Mental Health Disparities

Differences in mental health outcomes between genders, with females often experiencing more anxiety and depression.

Self-Disclosure

Sharing personal information, often more common among females in relationships.

Visual-Spatial Tasks

Cognitive tasks that involve understanding and manipulating spatial relationships; males generally outperform females.

Body Language

Non-verbal cues used in communication, where females often excel in interpreting emotions.

Communication Styles

Differences in how genders typically communicate, with females engaging more in cooperative dialogue.