6 Questions
During adolescence, what is the primary hormone responsible for physical changes in boys?
Testosterone
Which cognitive skill is NOT typically developed during adolescence?
Development of long-term memory
According to Erikson's Psychosocial Theory, what is the primary task of Stage 5 of adolescence?
Forming a sense of identity
What is the primary brain development process that occurs during adolescence?
Pruning and myelination of neural connections
What is a common psychosocial issue during adolescence related to self-perception?
Body image concerns
What is the primary function of the prefrontal cortex, which develops during adolescence?
Executive function
Study Notes
Physical Development
- Adolescence is a period of rapid physical growth and development, particularly during puberty (approx. ages 10-14)
- Hormonal changes:
- Increased production of testosterone in boys
- Increased production of estrogen in girls
- Physical changes:
- Growth spurts
- Development of primary and secondary sex characteristics
- Changes in body shape and composition
Cognitive Development
- Adolescence is a period of significant cognitive development, including:
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Increased ability to think abstractly
- Development of metacognitive skills (thinking about thinking)
- Improved decision-making and planning abilities
- Brain development:
- Pruning and myelination of neural connections
- Development of prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive function)
Social and Emotional Development
- Adolescence is a period of significant social and emotional change, including:
- Increased importance of peer relationships
- Development of identity and self-concept
- Exploration of values and beliefs
- Increased emotional intensity and mood swings
- Erikson's Psychosocial Theory:
- Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (ages 12-18)
- Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (ages 18-40)
Psychosocial Issues
- Common psychosocial issues during adolescence:
- Body image concerns
- Bullying and peer victimization
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Mental health concerns (e.g. depression, anxiety)
- Family conflict and parent-adolescent relationships
Developmental Theories
- Theories of adolescent development:
- Psychoanalytic theory (Freud): focus on unconscious motivations and drives
- Social learning theory (Bandura): focus on observational learning and modeling
- Cognitive-developmental theory (Piaget): focus on cognitive development and stage theory
- Ecological theory (Bronfenbrenner): focus on environmental and contextual factors
Research Methods
- Methods used to study adolescent psychology:
- Surveys and self-report measures
- Observational studies
- Experimental designs
- Longitudinal studies
- Neuroimaging techniques (e.g. fMRI)
Physical Development
- Adolescence is marked by rapid physical growth and development, particularly during puberty (ages 10-14)
- Hormonal changes trigger physical growth spurts, with increased testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls
- Physical changes include development of primary and secondary sex characteristics, changes in body shape and composition
Cognitive Development
- Adolescence is a period of significant cognitive development, including improved problem-solving skills, abstract thinking, and metacognitive skills
- Brain development involves pruning and myelination of neural connections, and development of the prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive function)
Social and Emotional Development
- Adolescence is marked by significant social and emotional changes, including increased importance of peer relationships and exploration of values and beliefs
- Identity formation and self-concept development occur during this stage
- Emotional intensity and mood swings are common due to hormonal changes
- Erikson's Psychosocial Theory outlines stages 5 (Identity vs. Role Confusion) and 6 (Intimacy vs. Isolation) during adolescence
Psychosocial Issues
- Body image concerns, bullying, and substance abuse are common psychosocial issues during adolescence
- Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety are prevalent, and family conflict and parent-adolescent relationships can be challenging
Developmental Theories
- Psychoanalytic theory (Freud) focuses on unconscious motivations and drives
- Social learning theory (Bandura) emphasizes observational learning and modeling
- Cognitive-developmental theory (Piaget) highlights cognitive development and stage theory
- Ecological theory (Bronfenbrenner) considers environmental and contextual factors
Research Methods
- Surveys and self-report measures are used to study adolescent psychology
- Observational studies, experimental designs, and longitudinal studies provide insight into adolescent development
- Neuroimaging techniques like fMRI are used to study brain development
Explore the physical and cognitive changes that occur during adolescence, including puberty, hormonal changes, and growth spurts.
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