11.2 Adolescence

Question 1

Physical: how is the adolescence defined as?

Answer 1

begins with cascade of hormone release => parallels development in gender identity (EMOTION/SOCIAL - gender roles)

ends with mature sexually and reach adult height and weight

Question 2

Physical: how does the brain grow?

Answer 2

continues to grow, up until early adulthood (around 25 age)
areas that process language, hearing, other sensory processes appear complete

Question 3

Cognition: which level does working memory and reaction time reach?

Answer 3

adult level
implication: think more logically or analytically
- build up their knowledge bases

Question 4

Cognition: moral reasoning (Kohlberg)
preconventional morality (1st stage)
conventional morality (2nd stage)

Answer 4

make moral choices based on expectations of reward and punishment

moral choices according to law, or public opinion

Question 5

Social/emotional: what do adolescents seek?

Answer 5

identity formation (Erikson)
- tries to answer question of “who am I?” if they can’t, leads to confusion
=> exploration, try on several identities to find the one that works