Adolescence Module 5

Adolescence The transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence

Puberty The period of sexual maturation, during which a person becomes capable of reproducing

Cognitive Development

Adolescent Reasoning Jean Piaget’s formal operational stage – Formal logic, abstract thinking, and hypothetical reasoning are now possible – Age when one tends to focus on the self, often imaging that one’s own feelings are particularly unique

Morality One’s sense of right and wrong.

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Moral Ladder: Pre-conventional moral reasoning: Avoid punishment or gain reward

Conventional Moral Reasoning: fit in and play one’s role as a good citizen

Post-Conventional Reasoning: Universal ethical principles that represent the rights or obligations of all people

Social Development

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Identity: One’s sense of self Experimentation Rebellion “Self”-ishness Optimism and Energy

Intimacy In Erikson’s theory, the ability to form close, loving, open relationships; a primary task in early adulthood.

Independence

Most adolescents achieve independence with relatively little friction in the family. Sometimes however, things can get intense!

Key Developmental Issues Continuity and Stages: Development relies on both Stability and Change: – Temperament and values are most likely to stay constant – Relationships and certain behaviors are more likely to change Nature and Nurture