Questions and Answers
Why was Sabrina somber during her surprise birthday party?
Sabrina felt self-conscious about her body compared to her friend Joyce.
What major transition has Sabrina entered?
Adolescence
What are the basic tasks Sabrina must master during adolescence? (Select all that apply)
Adolescents typically experience high emotional turbulence as a normal part of their development.
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Who is the first researcher to point out the variability in adolescent adjustment?
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Puberty is defined as the stage when a child transitions from childhood to adulthood.
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What does the storm-and-stress theory describe?
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Study Notes
Sabrina's Case Study
- On her eleventh birthday, Sabrina displayed sadness despite having a surprise party from her friend Joyce.
- Sabrina, larger and more developed than her peers, felt self-conscious about her body and weight.
- The contrast between Sabrina’s physical maturity and Joyce’s childlike appearance strained their friendship.
- Sabrina began to distance herself from family activities and sought connections with older peers.
Adolescence and Development
- Adolescence is defined as the transition phase between childhood and adulthood, marked by puberty.
- Key tasks during adolescence include body acceptance, developing independence, forming mature relationships, and constructing a secure identity.
- Puberty involves biological changes leading to an adult body and sexual maturity, which can be challenging for many adolescents.
Psychological Perspectives on Adolescence
- Historical theories attributed adolescent psychological changes to biological or social factors separately.
- Current understanding recognizes a combination of biological and social influences on adolescent behavior.
Biological Perspective
- The "storm-and-stress" view suggests adolescence is characterized by emotional turbulence and decreased self-control, as proposed by G. Stanley Hall.
- Hall drew parallels to human evolution, suggesting that adolescence is a turbulent period akin to the transition from savagery to civilization.
- Freud’s psychosexual theory links adolescent behavior to reawakened sexual impulses, creating psychological conflict until maturity is achieved through relationships and family life.
Social Perspective
- Contemporary research indicates the "storm-and-stress" view may be overstated, with only a modest rise in serious psychological disturbances during adolescence.
- Problems like eating disorders and depression are noted, but the overall increase in psychological issues from childhood to adolescence is about 15-20%.
- Margaret Mead’s anthropological research in Samoa highlighted how social environments influence adolescent experiences, suggesting a more favorable transition in cultures with relaxed social norms.
Summary
- Adolescence is a complex period influenced by both biological growth and social context, shaping individual experiences and behaviors differently across cultures.
- Understanding the dual influence of biological changes and social environment is essential in comprehending adolescent development.
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Description
This case study explores the complexities of friendships during adolescence, focusing on Sabrina and Joyce's relationship as they navigate changes in their bodies and emotions. It highlights the challenges of growing up, self-image, and the impact of physical development on social dynamics among preteens.
