Adolescence (Developmental Psychology)

Question 1

What is Adolescence in Psychology?

Answer 1

A transitional period marked by identity formation, cognitive, and emotional changes.

Question 2

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages (1968)
Overview:

Answer 2

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages (1968)
Overview:
Adolescents face identity vs role confusion, forming a coherent sense of self or remaining confused.

Key Study:
Marcia (1966): operationalised identity statuses — identity achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, diffusion.

Question 2

Criticism to Erikson

  Côté & Levine (1988)

Answer 2

Côté & Levine (1988) argued identity formation is a lifelong, non-linear process, not confined to adolescence.

Question 3

Risk-Taking and Brain Development
Overview:

Answer 3

Risk-Taking and Brain Development
Overview:
Adolescents exhibit increased risk-taking due to:
Early maturation of limbic system (emotion, reward)
Delayed development of prefrontal cortex (planning, inhibition)

Key Study:
Steinberg (2008): risk-taking peaks in adolescence due to brain development mismatch.

Question 3

Criticism to Steinberg

Answer 3

Crone & Dahl (2012) argued adolescent decisions are context-dependent, not inherently risky.