Lifespan Development Exam #3

Puberty

• The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction.

• starts at 8-14 years old and lasts 3-5 years

• genes 

• gender

• family 

• ethnic groups 

• body fat % 

factors that influence when puberty will begin (5)

improved nutrition, diets, and medical care

Why has puberty begun sooner and sooner in generations?

Menarche

• Girl's first menstrual period, signaling that she has begun ovulation

• ovulation and menstruation are often irregular for years 

• pregnancy is technically possible 

pregnancy

what is the leading cause of death in girls <15 in middle east countries?

Spermarche

Boy’s first ejaculation of sperm

• hypothalamus 

• pituitary 

• gonads (ovaries/testes) 

what structures cause the onset of puberty? (3)

leptin

hormone that affects your appetite and believed to be a contributing factor to the onset of puberty 

growth spurt 

a period of rapid increase in height and weight, occurring at different ages from infancy through puberty

early-maturing girls

• Tend to have lower self-esteem, more depression, and poorer body image

• May be attracted to older boyfriends and enter into abusive relationships

early- maturing boys

• more aggressive, law-breaking, and alcohol-abusing

• most difficult when onset is early and quick.

• tend to be more anxious, depressed, and afraid of sex.

• preferences 

• home life 

• media 

what influences diet? (3)

• iron 

• calcium 

• zinc

• vitamin d 

what are the four most common diet deficiences?

body image

involves a persons idea of how his or her body looks; subjective

2/3

__ of high school girls are trying to lose weight 

1/3
1/6

__ of high school girls beleives they are overweight, but only __ are

Circadian Rhythm

• body's internal clock that regulates various physiological and behavioral processes over a 24-hour cycle; cycle of waking, sleeping, and energy

• ideally get 8-10 hours of sleep 

inner to outer
front to back 

what direction is neurological development?

gray matter growth 

• improved processing information 

• improved initiating motor responses 

• improved cognitive functions like memory, decision-making

Sexual maturation

process by which an individual develops the physical and physiological characteristics necessary for reproduction; begins with puberty

primary sex characteristics

the physical features that distinguish males and females and are directly involved in reproduction.

ex: ovaries, vagina, penis, testes 

secondary sex characteristics

physical traits that develop during puberty and help distinguish between sexes but are not directly involved in reproduction

ex: breast development, widened hips, deepening of voice, growth in body hair 

TRUE!
There is a negative correlation between early sex and depression 

T/F: early sex/intercourse is correlated with increased rates of depression, drug abuse, STDs, and strained relationships 

Sexual abuse

• any erotic activity that arouses an adult and can excite, shame, or confuse the victim with or without contact

• most common during adolescence 

1/5 girls
1/20 boys

incidence rates of sexual abuse

TRUE!

more often a stepparent or other relative 

T/F: family members are most likely to be a sexual abuser

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

infections that are spread through sexual contact

ex: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• group of over 200 related viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes

• increases the risk of cancer in men and women

• vaccine has been developed

Egocentrism 

inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and that of others, leading to difficulty in understanding or considering viewpoints that are different from one's own

intense conversation

involves deep engagement and strong emotions, which can be either positive or negative

imaginary audience

feeling that one is constantly being watched, monitored, and judged by others, even when no one is actually paying close attention

Rumination

obsessively thinking about something or an event

Personal fable

Aspect of adolescent egocentrism characterized by an adolescent's belief that his or her thoughts, feelings, or experiences are unique, more wonderful or awful than anyone else’s

Invincibility fable

Adolescent's egocentric conviction that he or she cannot be overcome or even harmed by anything that might defeat a normal mortal, such as unprotected sex, drug abuse, or high -speed driving

piaget formal operational stage

• fourth and final stage of cognitive development 

• more systematic logic and ability to think about abstract ideas 

• understanding abstract concepts like "justice" and "love,"

Intuitive thought

• thought that arises from an emotion or a hunch, beyond rational explanation

• “gut feeling”

Analytic thought

Thought that results from analysis, such as a systematic ranking of pros and cons, risks and consequences, possibilities and facts

Secondary education

• Period after primary education (elementary or grade school) and before tertiary education (college)

• Usually occurs from about age 12 to age 18

• Developing nations are beginning to offer this more

• Secondary education structure varies a LOT: levels, duration, curriculum focus, exams/certifications, experimentation learning, working as teams

high-stakes testing

use of standardized tests to determine significant outcomes for students, educators, or schools, such as high school graduation, grade promotion, or school funding

School disengagement

• lack of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral connection to school and learning

• poor attendance, low academic performance, social withdrawal, and a higher risk of dropping out

Stereotype Threat

The thought that a person has that one’s appearance or behavior will be misread to confirm another person’s oversimplified, prejudiced attitudes.

growth mindset

belief that one's abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning from challenges and setbacks

Fixed mindset

• belief that qualities like intelligence, talent, and personality are static, unchangeable traits that are mostly innate

• use self-comparison 

• take fewer risks and don’t pursue new opportunities out of fear 

Identity

Consistent definition of oneself as a unique individual, in terms of roles, attitudes, beliefs, and aspirations

erikson’s identity vs role confusion

• fifth stage of development

• “who am i?” 

Role confusion (identity diffusion)

a state of uncertainty about one's identity and place in society

Identity achievement

after exploring different roles and values, makes firm commitments to a stable, coherent self-identity

Foreclosure

• a firm commitment to an identity without sufficient exploration of other options, often adopting beliefs and values from family or society without internalizing them

• lump culture and values together 

• premature identity formation 

Moratorium

An adolescent's choice of a socially acceptable way to postpone making identity-achievement decisions

Religious identity

• an individual's personal and group sense of belonging to a religion

• Most adolescents accept broad outlines of parental and cultural identity 

Political identity

• individual's sense of self and belonging based on their political beliefs, values, and affiliations

• reflect family views → don't have enough experience to make their own decisions yet

Ethnic identity

individual's sense of belonging to a specific ethnic group, defined by shared culture, ancestry, language, religion, and values

Gender Intensification

adolescents may experience increased pressure to conform to culturally defined gender roles.

Gender Incongruence

mismatch between a person’s experienced or expressed gender and the gender assigned at birth.

Familism

a cultural value system centered on family solidarity, loyalty, and mutual obligation; everyone takes care of each other

Peer pressure

• Conform to the behavior, dress, and attitude of contemporaries

• Pushed to do something you would not do alone

Selection

Select friends whose values and interests they share

Abandon former friends

Facilitation

• Peers facilitate behaviors in one another

• Destructive or constructive

• e.g., grade point & IQ vs. delinquency

Sexual orientation

whether or not a person is sexually or romantically attracted to someone else of any sex

Orientation

refers to their inner thoughts and actions; inward attraction

Major depressive disorder

common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Cluster suicides

Several suicides committed by members of a group within a brief period of time

Parasuicide

Any potentially lethal action against the self that does not result in death; suicide attempt

Suicidal ideation

• Thinking about suicide

• serious emotional and intellectual or cognitive overtones

• Nearly 25% of girls considered suicide

Adolescence-limited

individuals who engage in delinquent behavior primarily during their teenage years but typically desist from criminal activity as they transition into adulthood

Long-term relationships

What are siblings often the first experience of?

• Role models

• confidants

• protectors

• bullies

• rivals

• allies.

What are some roles siblings can take on? (6)

Communication

support

connectedness

balanced control.

What family characteristics encourage closeness? (5)

Giving autonomy while still providing guidance and safety.

What does “balanced control” mean in parenting?

Reinforces ideas but rarely gives accurate or practical info.

How does media influence sex education?

Leads to ignorance or misinformation.

What is the danger of delayed or vague parental communication?

during puberty.

When do rates of self-harm and depression often dip?

adolescence-limited criminal career

a pattern of delinquency that primarily occurs during teenage years and stops as the individual enters adulthood

The prefrontal cortex (executive functioning).

What brain area is most affected by early drug use?

• Tobacco

• alcohol

• marijuana

• opioids.

4 most common psychoactive drugs

76%

what percent of opiod overdose deaths involve fentanyl?

ages 18-25

What age range defines emerging adulthood?

body is at its peak

least prone to deterioration

full physical stature.

What are physical characteristics of this stage?

1. organ reserve

2. homeostasis

3. allostasis

3 elements of health

organ reserve

• the extra power that each organ can employ when needed

• helps to cope with stress and allow for a speedy recovery 

Homeostasis

• balance between various body reactions that keeps every physical function in sync with every other.

• All Body Systems

• Fine Tune (In the moment)

• maintains Equilibrium

Allostasis

• a dynamic body adjustment that gradually changes overall physiology

• Longer Term

• Overall “Load”

• Ex: when you get a concussion, the body adjusts how your brain thinks to allow the body to heal

Habits are more likely to continue long-term.

Why is regular activity important in emerging adulthood?

Depression, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, and dementia.

What health conditions does exercise help prevent later in life? (5)

Many learn about whole foods and strive for balanced, healthy diets

How do eating habits change during this stage?

set point

• their weight and height are in proportion, as indicated by their body mass index (BMI)

• homeostasis is best function at this point 

Anorexia nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by distorted body image, severe calorie restriction, and intense fear of weight gain.

Bulimia nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating and subsequent purging, usually by induced vomiting and/or use of laxatives.

Binge eating disorder

An eating disorder common in adolescence, which involves compulsive overeating.

characteristics of sexual-reproductive ability

• Sex hormones peak

• Infertility is rare

• Orgasm is frequent

• Ease of birth

40%

__ of babies born are unwanted pregnancies

seen as wrong or sinful

what is the attitude of premarital sex in Middle east and African countries?

Due to increased sexual activity.

Why are STI rates rising among unmarried people?

about ½ of cases

What proportion of new STI cases occur in people under 26?

HIV

What STI remains a major epidemic

Monogamy 

What is the most effective prevention method for STIs?

Leads to new experiences and opportunities for growth.

What are some benefits of risk-taking in emerging adulthood? (2)

men

Who are the most common victims of dangerous risks?

Accidents, homicide, and suicide.

What are common fatal risks in emerging adulthood?

About 9.2 million.

How many emerging adults have a substance abuse disorder?