chapters 10-11 (age 12-20)

Question 1

what is adolescence

Answer 1

• adolescence: period from age 12-20, ‘youth’ as a social category rather than biological
• modern western culture: period of gradual transition
• indigenous australians: initiation at puberty, abrupt social role change to adult

Question 2

describe what occurs during puberty

Answer 2

• growth spurt: rapid increases in height and weight, followed by years of little augmentation
• primary sex characteristics: development of sex organs, menarche (first menstruation, 9-17) / spermarche (first ejaculation, 10-14)
• secondary sex characteristics: external and physical changes
• variations: ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic differences, secular trend, largely genetically determined, environmental factors (nutrition and body fat)

Question 3

what are situations of non normative puberty / outcomes of this

Answer 3

• early maturing males: academic, emotional and behavioural problems (short lived), opportunities for leadership and higher social status with peers
• late maturing males: negative impact on esteem (short lived), develop positive qualities (insight), less pressure to engage in risk behaviours
• early maturing females: premature dating / sexual encounters (sti’s), eating disorders, smoking, drinking, depression, anxiety, poor academic achievement, related to family environment
• late maturing females: lower peer status, generally more positive outcomes

Question 4

describe health and health compromising behaviours

Answer 4

• expectations: optimal health, no childhood diseases, no systematic diseases of adulthood, promotion of positive health for later in life
• obesity: high BP, respiratory disease, orthopaedic disorders, diabetes, likely to be obese adults, negatively influence peer acceptance and self-esteem, genetic predisposition / environment
• eating disorders: dieting as a means of weight control during adolescence is pervasive
• sti’s: bacterial and viral infections, may result in infertility / life-threatening complication
• substance use: psychoactive substances (act on nervous system, altering perceptions, mood and behaviour), experimentation / substance abuse (social, psychological and physical effects)

Question 5

describe changes in cognitive development

Answer 5

• hypothetico-deductive reasoning: systematic scientific approach, classic pendulum problem
• horizontal decalage: sequential acquisition of concepts across different content areas within a single stage of cognitive development
• processing: increased short-term capacity, efficient control processes, extensive long-term memory and metacognitive knowledge / thinking strategies
• critical thinking: thinking reflectively and creatively, exploring profound meanings of ideas and issues, metacognitive knowledge, values, beliefs and dispositions
• decision making: increased level and frequency, vital to future wellbeing and vocational success
• intelligence: low crystallised, peak fluid

Question 6

describe changes in moral development

Answer 6

• kohlberg’s theory: between pre-conventional (avoiding punishment and getting rewards) and conventional (social rules, ignore ethics / morals)
• criticisms: not objective or consistent, favoured male oriented responses

Question 7

describe changes in identity / development of self

Answer 7

• identity: cognitive / hormonal changes, sexual interest, normative societal / vocational expectations
• erikson’s theory: identity vs role confusion, crisis resolved when one achieves reasonably comprehensive and coherent sense of self (identity), developed basic trust
• factors affecting: psychological moratorium, males establish identity, then relationship, female identity more tied to relationships, cultural factors (ethnic identity and pluralistic society model)

Question 8

what’s the difference between self concept / esteem

Answer 8

• self concept: more complex and abstract
• self esteem: associated with transitions, stresses and challenges of adolescence and school, girls’ self-esteem declines twice as much as boys
• parenting styles: authoritative enhances self-esteem and authoritarian reduces it

Question 9

describe familial relationships

Answer 9

• parent child: based on those established in childhood, more egalitarian, adolescents increase self-regulation (seek control, choice, and autonomy)
• parent child conflict: more common, helps foster the teen’s psychological independence

Question 10

describe friendships / romantic relationships

Answer 10

• dunphy’s theory: clique (3-9 members, close relationships, security and group norms) and crowd (20 members, collection of cliques, provide group identity)
• racial segregation: little interaction, need to establish identity, economic rather than racial factors
• gangs: antisocial and criminal behaviours, poor economic conditions, ethnic basis, vulnerable youths
• bullying: repeated victimisation, cyberbullying / relational aggression
• friendships: one or two close friends, same-sex, mutuality and intimacy, social and emotional support, girls’ friendships based on sharing feelings (risk of co-rumination)
• romantic relationships: dating, recreational, fun, dating script, based on gender roles, less enduring and more superficial, cultural differences relate to age for dating and age of first sexual experience
• relationships for gay and lesbian adolescents more difficult (fear of rejection)

Question 11

describe career stages that occur (greenhaus’)

Answer 11

• preparation for work age (0-25): develop occupational self image, assess alternative occupations, develop initial occupational choice, pursue necessary education
• organisational entry age (18-25): obtain job offer(s), from desired organisation(s), select appropriate job based on accurate information