Psychology: Adolescence & Young Adulthood

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes 'identity diffusion' during adolescence?

  • A phase where an individual has actively explored different identities and made a firm commitment.
  • A period of active exploration without commitment to a specific identity.
  • A premature decision about one's identity without considering options.
  • A lack of both exploration and commitment regarding one's identity. (correct)

Which of the following cognitive changes is NOT typically observed during adolescence?

  • Improved processing speed.
  • Increased metacognition.
  • Advancements in attention and memory functions.
  • A decline in abstract thinking. (correct)

Which statement best describes how the dopamine system impacts adolescent development?

  • Changes in the dopamine system can affect decision-making behavior and reward processing during this period. (correct)
  • The dopamine system primarily regulates emotional stability and reduces risk-taking behaviors.
  • The dopamine system plays a minor role in the brain changes seen during adolescence.
  • The dopamine system’s development during adolescence is solely focused on enhancing motor skills, rather than cognitive functions.

Which factor is likely to contribute to the higher rates of anxiety and depression observed during adolescence?

<p>Elevated levels of co-rumination, where negative thoughts are amplified through discussion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a defining feature of emerging adulthood?

<p>The age of full autonomy and commitment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Identity Formation

A period of exploration and commitment regarding who someone is, their values, and their place in the world. Includes four identity statuses: foreclosure, diffusion, moratorium, and achievement.

Moratorium

A stage that involves actively exploring different options and possibilities without making a firm commitment. It's a period of trying new things and figuring out what feels right.

Identity Achievement

A period marked by active exploration and a commitment to a specific identity. It's the result of deliberate choices and a sense of who you are.

Emerging Adulthood

A developmental period between ages 18-25 that is characterized by exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and a sense of possibilities.

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Brain Changes During Adolescence

The brain undergoes significant growth and development during adolescence, especially in the prefrontal cortex and dopamine system. This can impact identity formation by influencing decision-making, risk-taking, and emotional regulation.

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Study Notes

Adolescence & Young Adulthood

  • Adolescence and young adulthood are significant developmental stages.

Identity Formation

  • Identity Formation: How individuals learn who they are.

    • Foreclosure: Lack of exploration, premature decision-making.
    • Identity Diffusion: Lack of exploration, no commitment.
    • Moratorium: Active exploration but no commitment.
    • Identity Achievement: Both active exploration and commitment.

Cognitive Changes

  • Brain Functioning Changes: Cognitive abilities like abstract thinking, attention, and memory processing speed improve. Metacognition, or "thinking about thinking", gets better.

Brain Structure Changes

  • The dopamine system and the prefrontal cortex are particularly relevant during these stages.
    • The prefrontal cortex is described as "a powerful engine with no breaks", highlighting its importance and potential for both great achievements and challenges.

Anxiety and Depression

  • Higher rates occur during adolescence.
  • Factors include suicidal thoughts, interpersonal challenges, and rumination (repetitive negative thoughts).
  • These issues impact relationships.

Emerging Adulthood

  • Emerging adulthood (EA) is a distinct stage between ages 18 and 25.

  • This is observed in industrialized countries.

  • Five features of Emerging Adulthood:

    • Identity exploration
    • Instability
    • Self-focused
    • Between adolescence & adulthood
    • Possibility/optimism

Emerging Adulthood in Wealthier Countries

  • More Common Features: Education is highly valued, marriages and pregnancies occur later, and social welfare systems are more robust, likely due to individualism.

Stages of Development (Erikson's stages)

  • Erikson's stages of psychosocial development are fundamental concepts within the field. A table illustrating these stages shows the following:
    • Infancy (Trust vs. Mistrust)
    • Toddlerhood (Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt)
    • Early Childhood (Initiative vs. Guilt)
    • Middle Childhood (Industry vs. Inferiority)
    • Adolescence (Identity vs. Role Confusion)
    • Young Adulthood (Intimacy vs. Isolation)
    • Adulthood (Generativity vs. Stagnation)
    • Aging (Ego Integrity vs. Despair)

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