Adolescence: Physical & Cognitive Development

Definition of Adolescence Adolescence is defined as the transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence

Definition of Adolescence Adolescence is defined as the transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence Adolescence is a term coined by G. Stanley Hall in 1904 when child labor-laws and compulsory education delayed the social onset of adulthood.

Prenatal sexual development 45 of 46 chromosomes are unisex Father’s contribution to 23rd pair determine sex X = female Y = male Seven weeks after conception a gene in the Y chromosome triggers testes development During 4th & 5th month, hormones bathe the fetal brain influencing its wiring

Sexual Development Adolescence begins with puberty, when we mature sexually. Primary sex characteristics develop (the body’s reproductive structures, like ovaries, testes and external genitalia) Secondary sex characteristics develop (non- reproductive sexual traits like female breasts, male voice quality, body hair) The sequence of puberty is more predictable than the timeline.

Physical Development Mixed effect for boys Stronger, more athletic tend to be more popular, self-assured & independent More at risk for alcohol use, delinquency, premature sexual activity

Physical Development Mixed effect for girls If body development and hormone-fed feelings are out of sync with emotional maturity & friends development, she may associate with older teens, suffer teasing or experience sexual harassment

Physical Development Brain development Brain cells increase connections until adolescence when pruning begins – use it or lose it Frontal lobes continue to develop Judgment Impulse control Long-term planning

Limbic system (hormones) & brain development out of sync Physical Development Limbic system (hormones) & brain development out of sync Occasional impulsiveness (emotional reasoning) Risky behaviors (consequences?) Emotional storms Dad: Why did you do that? Son: I don’t know.

Cognitive Development Self-focused, thinking private experiences unique Capable of abstract thinking, begin wondering what others are thinking about them. Imaginary audience phenomenon – believing others are always paying attention them, especially their flaws.

Developing Reasoning Power Apply abstract thinking Compare ideal possibilities and imperfect realities of society, parents, self, etc. Debate good/evil, truth/justice Deeper concepts of meaning of life, God, existence, etc.

Developing Reasoning Power Apply abstract thinking Brainstorm with a friend one of the abstract thinking issues you think about. Be prepared to share your topic.

Question: What does it mean to be “moral?” Developing Morality Question: What does it mean to be “moral?”

Developing Morality Two crucial tasks of childhood & adolescence Discerning right from wrong Controlling impulses Lawrence Kohlberg developed levels of moral thinking by poising moral dilemmas “Should a person steal medicine to save a loved one’s life?” video

Kohlberg’s Levels of Moral Thinking Preconventional Consequences determine morality Reward = good Punishment = bad Conventional Conforming to society’s norms Rules/laws Postconventional Morality decided upon by individual May conflict with rules and/or accepted norms Most common type of morality in society

“Should a person steal medicine to save a loved one’s life?” Classroom Exercise “Should a person steal medicine to save a loved one’s life?”

Kohlberg’s Levels of Moral Thinking “Should a person steal medicine to save a loved one’s life?” Level (approximate age) Focus Example Preconventional Morality (before age 9) Self-interest: obey rules to avoid punishment or gain concrete rewards “If you save your wife, you’ll be a hero.” Conventional Morality (early adolescence) Uphold laws and rules to gain social approval or maintain social order “If you steal the drug, everyone will think you’re a criminal.” Postconventional Morality (adolescence and beyond) Actions reflect belief in basic rights and self-defined ethical behavior “People have a right to live”

Exit Ticket How do you think your moral development will change over the next 10 years?