Adolescence

Adolescence (WHO)

Transition period from childhood to maturity, typically ages 10-19.

Developmental Tasks of Adolescence

Adjusting to body changes, maturing cognitively and emotionally, and gaining economic independence.

Puberty

Biological process involving physical and hormonal changes marking sexual maturation.

Historical Trends in Puberty

Average age of menarche has decreased over centuries due to factors like nutrition and health.

Factors Influencing Puberty Onset

Nutrition, heredity, body mass, health, and socioeconomic status.

Physical Changes in Puberty

Includes height (~10 inches) and weight (~40 lbs) gain, with earlier onset in girls.

Hormonal Changes in Puberty

Testosterone (males) and estradiol (females) drive development.

Body Image in Adolescence

Dissatisfaction peaks during puberty, with higher prevalence in girls.

Mood Changes During Puberty

Hormonal and social stress lead to anger/irritability (boys) and depression (girls).

Stressful Change Hypothesis

Rapid pubertal changes cause emotional distress.

Off-Time Hypothesis

Early or late puberty timing increases stress.

Early-Timing Hypothesis

Early maturation leads to risky behaviours and maturity demands.

Depression and Puberty

Advanced pubertal stages increase depression risk, especially in girls.

Parent-Child Relationships in Adolescence

Family time decreases with age, but connection quality remains stable.

Freud’s View on Adolescence

Individuation involves becoming independent from parents.

Parenting Styles and Adolescent Mental Health

Warmth/autonomy lowers anxiety and depression, while psychological control raises mental health risks.

Self-Concept

Perceptions and beliefs about oneself, including traits and judgments.

Self-Esteem

Confidence in abilities and self-worth.

Self-Efficacy

Confidence in the ability to execute actions effectively.

Development of Self-Concept

Transitions from concrete (childhood) to abstract (adolescence); involves actual vs. ideal self.

Erik Erikson’s Identity Theory

Adolescents face a crisis of identity vs. role confusion.

James Marcia’s Identity Statuses

Four statuses: achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, diffusion.

Self-Esteem and Feedback (Cooley)

Self-esteem shaped by how individuals perceive others' opinions ("looking-glass self").

Negative Self-Concept

Associated with increased depression and anxiety.

Gender Differences in Self-Concept

Girls tend to have a more negative self-concept, contributing to higher mental health issues.

Protective Factors in Adolescence

Positive self-perception and effective parenting promote resilience.