Adolescence: Culture, Health, and Identity

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Questions and Answers

Explain how cultural context influences the experience of adolescence, referencing Margaret Mead's research in Samoa.

Mead's research suggests that cultures providing a gradual, stress-free transition from childhood to adulthood do not exhibit the typical 'storm and stress' often associated with adolescence.

List three potential health risks associated with obesity in teenagers.

High cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.

Why might dieting be counterproductive for adolescents?

Dieting can interfere with the nutritional needs required for the rapid growth during adolescence.

What societal factors contribute to the prevalence of eating disorders?

Societies where food is abundant and slimness is equated with attractiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the trend for obesity in male versus female adolescents in India.

Male adolescents are more likely to be obese than female adolescents. Signup and view all the answers

Give two factors which correlate with increased rates of obesity among Indian adolescents.

Living in an urban area and attending a private school. Signup and view all the answers

Why might girls experience increased body dissatisfaction during early to midadolescence?

Due to the normal increase in body fat during puberty. Signup and view all the answers

What influences might contribute to weight concerns during this time?

Parental attitudes and media images. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the paradoxical nature of anorexia nervosa complicates treatment strategies.

Anorexia is both deliberate and involuntary, in that people deliberately refuse food, yet cannot stop doing so even when rewarded or punished. The deliberate aspect may require behavioral interventions, while the involuntary aspect may need psychological or medical approaches. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how a distorted body image contributes to the maintenance of anorexia nervosa, even after significant weight loss.

Individuals with anorexia have a distorted body image and, though typically severely underweight, think they are too fat. This perception drives them to continue restricting food intake and/or engaging in excessive exercise, regardless of their actual weight or health status. Signup and view all the answers

What potential risks do young people face when they struggle to establish a clear occupational identity or encounter limited opportunities?

Increased risk of negative behaviors such as criminal activity or early pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

What are the risks of using the methods that people with bulimia use to purge high caloric intake?

The methods that people with bulimia use to purge high caloric intake can cause electrolyte imbalances, esophageal damage, cardiac abnormalities, and other gastrointestinal issues. Signup and view all the answers

How might low self-esteem contribute to the cycle of binge eating and purging in bulimia nervosa?

Low self-esteem can lead to feelings of shame, self-contempt, and depression, which act as triggers for binge eating episodes. Purging then becomes a misguided attempt to cope with the guilt and anxiety associated with the binge, perpetuating a harmful cycle. Signup and view all the answers

In Kohlberg's Stage 5 of moral reasoning (social contract orientation), how might someone justify Heinz stealing the drug, and what counterargument could they present?

Justification: The law wasn't designed for such circumstances, making stealing justified. Counterargument: Extreme circumstances don't justify breaking the law; the ends don't always justify the means. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can family therapy address the symptoms of anorexia nervosa in adolescents?

Family therapy helps address the symptoms of anorexia nervosa by having parents take initial control of their child's eating patterns. As the child complies, they may be given more age-appropriate autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

In Kohlberg's Stage 6 of moral reasoning (universal ethical principle orientation), what arguments could be made for and against Heinz stealing the drug?

Pro: Morally right to steal to save a life, acting on the principle of preserving life. Con: Heinz must consider the value of all lives involved, including others who need the drug. Signup and view all the answers

How might Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aid the treatment of anorexia nervosa?

CBT seeks to change a distorted body image and rewards eating with such privileges as being allowed to get out of bed and leave the room, which may be part of the treatment. This can help to modify thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary characteristics of individuals in a state of 'identity moratorium'?

Individuals in identity moratorium are in crisis, struggling with decisions, lively yet anxious, and often struggle with both authority and forming close relationships. Signup and view all the answers

How might a person in Kohlberg's Stage 5 reasoning evaluate a situation where a company pollutes a river, causing harm to the local community, but argues it is maximizing profits and creating jobs?

They might argue that while maximizing profits and creating jobs is beneficial, it should not come at the expense of the community's health and well-being. The long-term societal impact outweighs short-term economic gains, and regulations are in place to protect the community. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary reasons for hospitalizing a patient with anorexia nervosa, and what types of interventions are typically provided in this setting?

Patients who show signs of severe malnutrition, are resistant to treatment, and do not make progress on an outpatient basis, may be admitted to a hospital where they can be given 24-hour nursing. This provides continuous medical supervision and nutritional rehabilitation. Signup and view all the answers

How can genetics influence the development of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia?

Twin studies have found associations between eating disorders and the brain chemical serotonin; a variant of the protein BDNF, which influences food intake; and oestrogen. This suggests that genetic predispositions can increase susceptibility to these disorders. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how a person in Marcia's 'identity moratorium' stage might react to being offered a prestigious job opportunity that conflicts with their values or personal interests.

A person in moratorium might experience significant internal conflict and anxiety. They would likely struggle with the decision, as they are still exploring and questioning their values and goals, making it difficult to commit to a career that doesn't align with their sense of self. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast how an individual in Kohlberg’s Stage 5 (social contract orientation) and Stage 6 (universal ethical principle orientation) might view civil disobedience, such as protesting a law they believe is unjust.

Stage 5: Might support it if it reflects the will of the majority and aims to improve society, but generally favors adherence to the law. Stage 6: Might support it if it aligns with their personal ethical principles, regardless of legal consequences or popular opinion. Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a young adult in Marcia's identity moratorium is pressured by their parents to pursue a specific career path. How might their behavior reflect their identity status, and what internal conflicts might they experience?

The young adult may show anxiety, fear, and resistance towards their parents' wishes, struggling to reconcile external pressures with their own evolving values and interests. They might be lively and talkative about their interests but indecisive about long-term commitments, reflecting their active exploration and internal crisis. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how an individual in identity diffusion might behave in a group project setting.

An individual in identity diffusion may be uncooperative, unsure of themselves, and avoid commitments within the group project. Signup and view all the answers

How did Carol Gilligan critique Kohlberg's theory of moral development, and what alternative perspective did she propose?

Gilligan argued Kohlberg's theory was biased towards male values of justice and fairness. She proposed that women view morality more in terms of care, responsibility, and avoiding harm. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Erikson's view on identity and intimacy development differs between men and women, according to the provided text.

Erikson believed that for women, identity and intimacy develop together, while for men, identity typically precedes intimacy. Women define themselves through relationships and care, whereas men define themselves through achieving a separate identity. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways might societal expectations of adolescent rebellion influence parental expectations and interpretations of teenage behavior?

If there is an expectation that teens will rebel, parents might misinterpret typical adolescent behaviors as rebellion. Likewise, it may cause parents to become overly strict in anticipation of rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a situation where an adolescent's 'care-related moral reasoning' (as described by Gilligan) might lead to a different decision than 'justice-based moral reasoning' (as described by Kohlberg).

In a scenario where a student is aware that a friend cheated on a test; a care-based approach might lead to protecting the friend to avoid harming their reputation, while a justice-based approach might lead to reporting the friend to uphold fairness. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways could the concept of 'storm and stress' in adolescence impact the parent-child relationship?

The belief in 'storm and stress' may lead parents to expect conflict and emotional turmoil which could strain parent-child interactions. Parents may be less understanding of typical developmental challenges and emotional changes. Signup and view all the answers

How might an adolescent's self-esteem fluctuations impact their exploration of identity, according to Marcia's identity statuses?

An adolescent with low self-esteem might struggle to explore different identity options, possibly remaining in a state of diffusion or foreclosure. Fluctuating self-esteem may also make the commitment aspect of identity achievement more difficult. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how an adolescent experiencing 'identity diffusion' might be more susceptible to peer pressure, and what long-term consequences may arise from this susceptibility.

Those in identity diffusion lack a firm sense of self; this makes them eager to conform to peer expectations to fit in. Long-term, they may make choices misaligned with personal values, leading to dissatisfaction and a continued lack of identity. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three significant risk factors that may predispose adolescents to substance abuse?

Difficult temperament, poor impulse control, and association with drug users. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why adolescents are considered more vulnerable to the negative impacts of alcohol compared to adults. What specific cognitive functions are most at risk?

Adolescents' brains are still developing, making them more susceptible to alcohol's damaging effects on learning and memory. Signup and view all the answers

How does cannabis use potentially affect an adolescent’s cognitive functions and academic performance?

Cannabis use can impair memory, thinking speed, learning, and overall school performance. Signup and view all the answers

Considering the health risks associated with cannabis, outline two significant physical consequences of heavy usage.

Heavy cannabis use can result in damage to the brain, lungs and heart, as well as nutritional deficiencies. Signup and view all the answers

Besides addiction, what are the primary potential effects of alcohol on one's well-being?

Alcohol can have a profound and negative impact on an individual's physical, emotional, and social well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying psychological factors might explain why teenagers start smoking?

Teenagers may start smoking as a sign of rebelliousness, toughness, and passage from childhood to adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how 'binge drinking' is defined. What ramifications does binge drinking have on academic performance and risky behavior?

Binge drinking is consuming five or more drinks on one occasion, leading to poor school performance and higher engagement in risky behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What lasting cognitive impairments were observed in adolescent alcohol abusers even after they stopped drinking, compared to their peers who did not abuse alcohol?

Even after abstaining from alcohol, adolescent abusers exhibited cognitive impairments for weeks, in comparison to their nonabusing peers. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how social environment can influence smoking habits in adolescents.

Adolescents are more likely to initiate smoking if they come from environments--homes, schools, neighborhoods--where smoking is common. This suggests that social norms and exposure play a significant role in shaping their behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Why are STDs often undetected in adolescent girls, and what are the potential consequences?

STDs are often undetected in adolescent girls because symptoms can be mild or absent. If untreated, STDs can lead to severe health problems, like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility and chronic pain. Signup and view all the answers

What factors increase the risk of contracting STDs among adolescents?

Early sexual activity, multiple partners, inconsistent or incorrect contraceptive use, socioeconomic disadvantage, substance use, and inadequate sex education all increase the risk of contracting STDs among adolescents. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of parental disapproval in preventing smoking among adolescents.

Adolescents are less likely to smoke if they believe their parents disapprove of smoking. Parental disapproval acts as a deterrent by setting clear expectations and communicating the negative consequences of smoking. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why initial smoking experiences are often unpleasant and how individuals overcome this?

The initial smoking experience is often unpleasant due to the irritating effects of smoke. However, the addictive properties of nicotine soon take over making the individual desire the act of smoking. Signup and view all the answers

What is HPV and why is it a significant health concern for adolescent girls?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common STD that causes genital warts and is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. Early detection and vaccination are crucial for prevention. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use condoms correctly and consistently?

Consistent and correct condom use greatly reduces--but doesn't eliminate--the risk of STDs. Incorrect or inconsistent use significantly lowers their effectiveness. They need to be used every single time during sexual activity. Signup and view all the answers

While the stats show that STDs have gone up, give one reason as to why there might be inaccuracies with these findings?

There may be inaccuaracies due to better screening and detections methods. This is because more cases get reported. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Occupational Identity

The sense of self in relation to career and societal roles.

Criminal Activity Risks

Negative behaviors associated with unresolved identity issues.