Psychology Chapter on Brain Development

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Questions and Answers

What significant brain development occurs during young adulthood?

Completion of prefrontal cortex development (correct)

Decline in brain weight

Deterioration of the corpus callosum

Rapid growth of the amygdala

How does the connection between the limbic system and prefrontal cortex change during young adulthood?

The limbic system becomes less controlled

The connections increase, leading to better control (correct)

The limbic system develops independently of the prefrontal cortex

The connections diminish significantly

Which of the following statements about the corpus callosum during young adulthood is accurate?

It expands and facilitates communication between hemispheres (correct)

It shows a reduction in size

It disconnects from the prefrontal cortex

It remains unchanged in size

What happens to brain weight during young adulthood?

It increases as development completes Signup and view all the answers

What role does the prefrontal cortex play in relation to the limbic system as it matures in young adulthood?

It enhances emotional regulation and decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of postformal thought?

Less idealistic approach Signup and view all the answers

How does postformal thought differ from earlier cognitive stages?

It combines both intuitive and analytic thinking. Signup and view all the answers

Which quality is NOT associated with postformal thought?

Strict adherence to rules Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of postformal thought?

Improved adaptability to complex problems Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of postformal thought helps in practical problem-solving?

Combining both analytical and intuitive methods Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of dialectical thinking in emerging adulthood?

Integrating opposing viewpoints into a comprehensive understanding Signup and view all the answers

How does dialectical thinking differ from dichotomous thinking?

Dialectical thinking is characterized by integration of contradictions Signup and view all the answers

What skill is most associated with individuals who practice dialectical thinking?

Finding syntheses or balanced perspectives Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the mindset of a dialectical thinker?

Contradictions are a natural and valuable part of understanding life. Signup and view all the answers

During emerging adulthood, which thinking style becomes more prevalent compared to adolescence?

Dialectical thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which benefit is associated with earning a bachelor's degree?

Increase in wealth Signup and view all the answers

How does obtaining a bachelor's degree impact employment rates?

Increases employment rates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the relationships between education and personal well-being is true?

Improved health is associated with a bachelor's degree Signup and view all the answers

What is an outcome of obtaining a bachelor's degree in terms of cognitive abilities?

Improved critical thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which benefit is NOT linked to earning a bachelor's degree?

Higher unemployment rates Signup and view all the answers

What does attachment-related anxiety in adults primarily concern?

Worries about a partner's love Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment style is characterized by discomfort in opening up to others?

Dismissing Signup and view all the answers

In Bartholomew's model, which dimension corresponds to an adult's fear of rejection by their partner?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following attachment styles is NOT one of the four proposed by Bartholomew?

Overattached Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes individuals with high attachment-related avoidance?

They fear limitations on their autonomy Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the validation we receive from shared values and beliefs with others?

Consensual validation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases attraction based on physical closeness to individuals?

Proximity Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is critical to effective self-disclosure?

Balanced and reciprocal communication Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences your attraction to someone based on their shared values?

Similar values and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes one of the main aspects of attraction?

Self-disclosure in an accepting manner Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Development of the Prefrontal Cortex

The Prefrontal cortex completes its development during young adulthood.
Increased connections between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex lead to improved regulation of emotions.

Limbic System Regulation

Enhanced connection allows better control of emotional responses by the prefrontal cortex.
This improvement aids in decision-making and impulse control.

Structural Changes in the Brain

Expansion of the Corpus callosum facilitates communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.
Overall brain weight increases during this developmental stage, reflecting ongoing maturation.

Postformal Thought Overview

Postformal thought is characterized as a proposed 5th stage of cognitive development, distinct from Piaget's established stages.
It emphasizes flexibility in problem-solving, allowing for adaptable and context-sensitive approaches.

Key Characteristics

Flexibility in Problem-Solving: Moves away from rigid, logical reasoning to more nuanced thinking, accommodating complex, real-life situations.
Practical and Realistic Approach: Focuses on practical solutions rather than idealistic or abstract theories, aligning cognitive processes with everyday experiences.
Less Impulsivity: Individuals demonstrate a reduced tendency to react impulsively, reflecting a more considered approach to challenges and decision-making.
Integration of Intuitive and Analytic Thinking: Combines gut feelings and analytical reasoning, facilitating comprehensive problem-solving that utilizes both instinctive and calculated thought processes.

Dialectical Thinking vs. Dichotomous Thinking

Emerging adulthood is characterized by a shift from dichotomous (black-and-white) thinking prevalent in adolescence to dialectical thinking.
Dialectical thinkers can integrate opposing viewpoints and contradictions, leading to a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
This thinking style allows individuals to appreciate the complexities and contradictions of life, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Dialectical thinking fosters the ability to find syntheses or balanced perspectives, which can facilitate better decision-making and interpersonal relationships.
The understanding of life's complexities can lead to greater adaptability and resilience in facing challenges.

Benefits of Earning a Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's degree holders experience significantly higher wealth accumulation compared to those without a degree, enhancing their financial stability.
Individuals with a bachelor's degree have substantially higher lifetime earnings; college graduates typically earn more than non-graduates over their careers.
The employment rate is noticeably higher among those with a bachelor's degree, increasing job opportunities and reducing unemployment risk.
Graduates report better overall health and greater self-satisfaction, often linked to improved social identity and personal confidence.
Earning a bachelor's degree fosters enhanced critical thinking skills and encourages postformal thought, allowing for more advanced reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Adult Attachment Dimensions

Bartholomew proposed that adult attachment varies across two dimensions: attachment-related anxiety and attachment-related avoidance.
Attachment-related anxiety indicates the level of worry an adult has about their partner's love and commitment.
High scores in attachment-related anxiety correlate with fears of rejection and abandonment, highlighting emotional insecurity in relationships.

Attachment-related avoidance measures an individual's ability to open up and trust others.
Adults with high levels of avoidance tend to resist emotional closeness and may fear that relying on others will compromise their independence.

Attachment Styles

Bartholomew's framework identifies four adult attachment styles based on the combination of anxiety and avoidance levels:
- Secure: Comfortable with intimacy, trusting, and balanced in dependence.
- Dismissing: High avoidance, low anxiety; typically emotionally distant and self-reliant.
- Preoccupied: High anxiety, low avoidance; often anxious about relationships and overly dependent.
- Fearful-Avoidant: High in both anxiety and avoidance; struggles with intimacy but fears rejection.

Figure Reference

Reference to Figure 7.22 for visual representation of the four attachment styles and their characteristics.

Factors Influencing Attraction

Similarity: Attraction often stems from perceived similarities in values and beliefs between partners.
Consensual Validation: Validation of our own beliefs occurs when others share similar views, enhancing attraction.
Self-Disclosure: Frequent and open communication fosters emotional intimacy; must be balanced and reciprocal to strengthen attraction.
Proximity: Physical nearness to others increases likelihood of forming bonds, as it facilitates interaction and connection.

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Description

Explore the fascinating changes in brain development during young adulthood, focusing on the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and corpus callosum. This quiz covers the crucial relationships and growth that enhance emotional regulation and cognitive control during this crucial period of life.