Psy 311: Adolescence ADOLESCENCE Cognitive Development, Identity, & Vocational Choice

Psy 311: Adolescence ADOLESCENCE FORMAL OPERATIONS l 1. Formal operations: mental actions on ideas l 2. Can think logically & systematically about abstract & hypothetical objects, events, & situations

Psy 311: Adolescence ADOLESCENCE FORMAL OPERATIONS (CONT) l 3. Can contemplate possibilities rather than realities l 4. Hypothetical-deductive reasoning: generate all possible hypotheses & systematically test predictions

Psy 311: Adolescence DEVELOPMENT OF FORMAL OPERATIONS l begins with reasoning about alternatives l then reasoning about possibilities l starts in areas of interest

Psy 311: Adolescence Limitations in Adolescent Reasoning Lack of practical experience l “Nothing bad can happen to me” l Driving too fast l Drinking l Drugs l Sex l Vandalism l Delinquency

Psy 311: Adolescence Potential Implications of Formal Operational Thought l Confusion because of new-found ability to question. l Rebellion because of ability to detect inconsistencies & flaws in the world. l Idealism because of the ability to imagine perfectly logical solutions to world problems that are difficult to implement in our imperfect real world.

Psy 311: Adolescence Other potential changes l Adolescent egocentrism, or trouble distinguishing one’s own thoughts & feelings from those of others l Imaginary audience, or confusing one’s own thoughts with those of a hypothesized audience for your behavior

Psy 311: Adolescence DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS l IDENTITYWho am I? What do I think? Ü about values Ü about priorities Ü about religion Ü about politics Ü about our society Ü about relationships Ü about work

Psy 311: Adolescence Identity Formation l GOAL –Authentic and genuine –Fit with social relationships and society –Satisfied

Psy 311: Adolescence DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS of IDENTITY FORMATION l 1. Crisis –Confusion –Search l 2. Commitment –This is the real me, This is what I really think

Psy 311: Adolescence Influences on Identity Formation During Adolescence l 1. Cognitive development Formal operational thought –Can imagine & consider possible future identities

Psy 311: Adolescence Influences on Identity Formation During Adolescence (Cont) l 2. Relationships with parents –Warm, supportive –Coercive, domineering –Permissive –Neglectful

Psy 311: Adolescence Influences on Identity Formation During Adolescence (Cont) l 3. Social experiences outside the home –Exposure to diverse ideas & people –Encouragement to think independently

Psy 311: Adolescence Influences on Identity Formation During Adolescence (cont.) l 4. Broader social & historical context –Culture affects its development For example, whether or not developing a separate identity is even valued.

Psy 311: Adolescence PARENTS & ADOLESCENTS l 1. Adolescents depend on their parents –Myth: Adolescents are totally independent l 2. Adolescents listen to their parents –Myth: Adolescents listen only to their peers l 3. Adolescents love their parents –Myth: All adolescents rebel

Psy 311: Adolescence Advice to Parents of Adolescents l Yes, you will have disagreements –About home responsibilities and schoolwork –With girls more than boys –Girls: about emotional issues –Boys: about practical issues

Psy 311: Adolescence WORK Decisions about occupations l VOCATIONAL CHOICE: An effort to find an optimal fit between one’s self- concept or personality & occupational opportunities. –Questioning –Exploring –Experiencing –A wide range of possibilities

Psy 311: Adolescence Process of vocational choice 1. FANTASY STAGE l Wishes & whims l Status l Fun

Psy 311: Adolescence Process of vocational choice 2. TENTATIVE STAGE l Interests l Capacities l Values

Psy 311: Adolescence Process of vocational choice 3. REALISTIC STAGE a. Realities of job market l Disadvantaged youth l Minority youth l Women

Psy 311: Adolescence Process of vocational choice 3. Realistic Stage b. Requirements of occupational qualification l Educational attainment l Skills l Credentials

Psy 311: Adolescence Age-ism: Age Discrimination on the Job l 1. Stereotypes: old, inflexible, unproductive l 2. Discrimination: passed over for promotions, not hired, make less money l 3. Research: as or more productive, innovative; more reliable, miss less work, stick with company longer

Psy 311: Adolescence LAST NAME, first name l 1. What is the big advance in formal operational thinking? l 2. What is the big limitation in formal operational thinking? l 3. What is the developmental task in identity formation? l 4. What are the steps to vocational decision making?