Cognitive, Behavioral & Psychosocial Development in Adolescence PDF

[Cognitive, Behavioral & Psychosocial Development in Adolescence] [Thinking abstractly]: - Adolescent children, by about age 11, reach the fourth and final stage of cognitive development: Formal Operations. - Able to use symbols to think abstractly: Algebra, science. - Can thin...

[Cognitive, Behavioral & Psychosocial Development in Adolescence] [Thinking abstractly]: - Adolescent children, by about age 11, reach the fourth and final stage of cognitive development: Formal Operations. - Able to use symbols to think abstractly: Algebra, science. - Can think hypothetically about abstract topics: justice, moral dilemmas. - Builds on the existing schemas of prior stages. - Remember: in the Concrete Operational stage (Middle and later childhood) ideas require something concrete (drawing, physical objects) to reason and solve the problem. In the Formal operational stage Abstract reasoning can be used to solve problems. - According to Piaget cognitive schemas and structures are in place as of the adolescent period. Adult cognitive development can continue throughout the lifespan through the acquisition of knowledge. Psychosocial development: - Establishing a sense of identity: central task of adolescence (Ericson) - Sense of identity - Attributes - Roles and goals - Interests - Values - Beliefs - Self esteem - Global (as a whole) - Specific (certain parts: athlete, student, appearance) Havighurst: Key environments: - School: - Primary setting for both cognitive and social development - Teachers play significant role in establishing positive self esteem. - Home/Family: - Diversity of family units - Bonds formed, closeness, attachment of primary importance - Conflict Important elements of social life: - Community - Sport - Spirituality/ faith/church - Work Social development: - Peer relationships: - Increasingly important - Reference point for developing identity - Moral judgement and values - Distinct from parents - Source of information about the world apart from parents and family - Changes over span of adolescence Forming significant relationships/sexual behaviour/dating: - Often begins in middle adolescence - Duration and nature of relationships - Online relationships - Sexual behavior - Experimentation, intimacy, risk, control What are the biggest challenges youth face today? - Grades (pressure to succeed), mental health, peer pressure, comparison, body image, identity, socioeconomic factors, authority, relationships w/ others, expectations for the future Children first Canada children and youth survey: Mental health: - Adolescence is a crucial period for developing and maintaining social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. - Half of mental health conditions begin by age 14 but remain undiagnosed and untreated. - Suicide in 15-19 age youth 3rd leading cause of death. - Early maturing girls and late maturing boys show increased risk for depression, suicide, substance abuse, and disordered eating. Mental illness risk factors: - Desire for Autonomy - Pressure to conform - Media influence - Gender norms - Exploitation of sexual identity - Quality of home life - Relationships with peers - Violence - SES Adolescent behavioural development: - Risk taking behaviour: - Fun, excitement - Peer pressure, group dynamic - Modeling - Major forms: - Motor vehicles - Suicide - Homicide - Other Things that can help adolescents? - Role models, positive reinforcement, support systems, encourage healthy habits Behavioural problems: - Substance abuse: - Cigarettes - Alcohol - Drugs - Problems: - Substance dependency - Pregnancy and STDs - Crime, delinquency and violence - School failure and dropout Factors associated with resilience and positive outcomes: - Stable, positive relationship with at least one caring adult - Religious/spiritual anchor - High, realistic academic expectations and adequate support - Positive family environment - Emotional intelligence and ability to cope with stress