Adolescence

definition of puberty Pubertas – Latin word for “adult” Narrow definition: The process by which an individual becomes capable of reproduction. The activation of the HPG/HPA axis Broad definition: The physical, psychological, and cultural changes that occur as the growing child transitions into adulthood.

time periods of adolescent Adolescence is a unique developmental period it keeps changing! Early adolescence – 11 to 13 years old Continues to be pushed earlier (9-10…) Middle adolescence – 14 to 17 years old Late adolescence (early adulthood) – 18 to 20 years old Continues to be pushed later (21-24…)

physical changes… Primary sex characteristics The body organs and reproductive structures and functions that differ between women and men. Gonads (testes and ovaries) Secondary sex characteristics Characteristics of the body that are caused by hormones, develop during puberty, and last through adult life. Changes in genitals/breasts/voice Pubic/body/facial hair

changes… Rapid acceleration of physical growth Adolescent growth spurt 3.5 (girls) to 4.0 (boys) inches/year ½ adult weight gained during adolescence Changes in body composition 3:1 muscle to body fat ratio for boys 5:4 for girls Emergence of sex differences in physical performance Changes in circulatory and respiratory systems Increase in size/capacity of heart and lungs

two roles of hormones Organizational role (life-long): Modification of the organism early in life primarily influencing its anatomy Organization/structure of CNS “Feminine” vs. “masculan-ized” brain and body Activational role (specific to puberty): Structural “remodeling” of brain Increase in salience of sexual stimuli, sexual motivation Development of secondary sex characteristics

impacts of puberty Sleep patterns Family relations Peer relations Delayed phase preference 9 hours: 1 am to 10 am Family relations Transformation of parent-child bond Peer relations Transformation of friendships, romantic relationships

impacts of puberty Self-esteem Moods Changing body image Changing sense of self Moods Increased stress + Increased sensitivity Fluctuation of moods Due to hormones or environment? “Storm and stress”: myth or fact?

timing - individual factors Genetic factors Timing and tempo Environmental factors Nutrition Body weight Exposure to hormones/chemicals Family conflict Stepparents

timing - group factors Comparisons Across socioeconomic groups Impact of poverty Dietary intake, health care, exposure to disease Across countries Impact of industrialization Across time periods Secular trend

early maturation Boys Girls Early maturation positives Popularity, higher self-esteem Early maturation negatives Deviant, risk behaviors; more rigidity later Girls Popularity (cultural dependence) Lower self-esteem, eating disorders, emotions, deviant behaviors

late maturation Boys Girls Late maturation positives Higher levels of creativity, inventiveness Late maturation negatives Low self-esteem, low social competence Girls Thinner build Social withdrawal

identity development Adolescence  Erickson stage of identity crisis Sense of individual self Selection of commitments, beliefs, values Interpersonal process Taking their place in the adult community

cognitive changes Importance of conceptual structure of thinking Propositional logic: thinking constrained by logical relations Emphasis on rationality and scientific methodology Importance of conceptual resources employed in thinking Five process: Attention, working memory, processing speed, organization, meta-cognition

cognitive changes Piaget’s – Formal Operational Thought Logical, abstract thinking Thinking about possibilities “If-then” thinking Connection between how things are and how they might have been or could be. Thinking about thinking Understanding knowledge (how/when gained) Monitoring one’s own mental states

relativism Not everything is “black and white” Recognition of importance of perspective Death of childish “realism/absolutism” Can result in extreme skepticism Rejection of authority Rejection of cultural/social norms Everything is “ok” – no right/wrong Tolerance for different beliefs Though less tolerance for actual interaction/helping

adolescent egocentrism Increased introspection, self-consciousness, rationalization Responsible for adolescent version of egocentrism. Imaginary audience Personal fable Importance of personal individuality

Identity and stereotypes Identities commonly incorporate/activate stereotypes Common characteristics associated with Being female Being Native American Being a plumber Being a liberal Some characteristics positive, others negative. Stereotype activation makes these characteristics salient. This can have incredibly powerful effects on behavior.