Psychology 133a: Adolescent Development Study Guide

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from Adolescent Development lecture notes.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

Emphasizes that adolescents are shaped by multiple, interacting systems (microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem).

Intrinsic Motivation

Internal drive.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

Emphasizes that adolescents are shaped by multiple, interacting systems (microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem).

Intrinsic Motivation

Internal drive.

Extrinsic Motivation

External rewards.

Attributions

Internal vs. external explanations for success and failure influence effort and performance.

School Factors

School size, teacher quality, classroom climate, and funding directly impact student engagement and success.

Tracking and ability grouping

Benefits high-achieving students but can harm those in lower tracks.

Immigrant paradox

Some immigrant students outperform peers despite disadvantages.

Stage-environment fit

Mismatch between developmental needs and school structure that can lead to problems.

School climate

School climate with high expectations and support improves learning.

Stereotype threat and discrimination

Negatively impact achievement for underrepresented students.

Sullivan's theory

Intimacy develops through friendships before romantic relationships.

Attachment theory

Early bonds with caregivers form templates for later close relationships.

Friendships (adolescence)

Shift from shared activities to emotional closeness.

Discrimination

LGBTQ+ adolescents often face this, which affects mental health and intimacy development.

Gender differences in intimacy

Are shaped by socialization and cultural expectations.

Internalizing Disorders

Depression, anxiety, self-harm.

Externalizing Disorders

Aggression, delinquency, substance use.

Diathesis-stress model

Mental health issues arise from a combination of predisposition and environmental stressors.

Delayed sleep phase

Adolescents experience a natural shift toward later bedtimes.

Substance use

Is more common among those with less parental monitoring and more peer influence.

Volunteering and Service Learning

Builds purpose, empathy, and prosocial values when paired with reflection and adult guidance.

Social media

Use can both help and harm adolescents.

Emerging Adulthood (Ages 18-25)

Characterized by identity exploration, instability, self-focus, and feeling "in-between."

Responsibility, independence, and self-reliance

U.S. adults emphasize these over traditional markers (marriage, children).

Prefrontal cortex

Continues to mature into mid-20s.

Identity development

Involves changes in self-concept, self-esteem, and roles.

Erikson's theory

Identity vs. role confusion is the key adolescent crisis.

Marcia's identity statuses

Achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, diffusion.