EPS 508 Theory & Research in Adolescent Development & Behavior Dr. M C. Smith

Course syllabus and requirements Blackboard – Log-on name and password (HELP desk)

Course requirements Textbooks and readings Web site search and evaluation paper Case study paper Small group discussions Parenting book review paper Topical presentation (PowerPoint) Attendance and participation APA ms. style for all papers

Three myths of adolescence Storm and stress –Adolescence is differentiated hormonal influences contribute to adolescent problems –All adolescents go through puberty, but not all have problems the “generation gap” –Adolescents have good relations with parents

Adolescence Adolescere: –To grow up, or into maturity. –Many definitions of adolescence: ages 10 – 25 ? Puberty: –Pubescere: “to grow hairy” Culturally determined: –An American invention Marker events for adolescence?

A brief history of adolescence Ancient perspectives –Plato: development occurs in stages. –Aristotle: youth “particpate” in their own development. Modern perspectives –JJ Rousseau: adolescent problems stem from social pressures to become adults before they are ready.

History... Modern perspectives –GS Hall: adolescence is stormy, stressful. –S Freud: adolescence coincides with “genital” period in development. –M Meade: society largely determined the nature of adolescence. –E Erikson: identity formation occurs in adolescence.

History... Contemporary perspectives –RM Lerner: understanding the contexts of adolescents lives is critical to understanding their development. –A. Bandura: adolescent development shaped through processes of modeling, imitation, and reinforcement.

What is “development”? Significant and relatively permanent change within the individual brought about by maturation, learning, experience, or various environmental conditions--usually occurring over some significant period of time (e.g., months or years).

Critical transition of adolescence D. Hamburg (1986) Period of adolescence is lengthening Disjunction between biological and social development Confusion over adult roles Few family and social support networks Adolescent access to harmful substances and activities

Historical perspectives on adolescence and education ( B. Finkelstein, 2001) The “invention” of adolescence The schooling of American youth The experience of adolescence Diversity among adolescents