1. ADOLESCENCE
You’re not adults yet. You need economic and emotional independence for that!

2. PUBESCENCE
Adolescent Growth Spurt: around age 11; rapid change in height and weight
Actually takes place preadolescence
Pubescence: 2 yr span preceding puberty; changes leading to physical and sexual maturity

3. PUBESCENCE TO PUBERTY
Secondary sex characteristics: physical features that distinguish one sex from the other; not necessary for reproduction
Capacity to reproduce begins with puberty

4. PUBERTY
DEF: the stage during which sexual functions reach maturity; marks the beginning of adolescence
Primary sex characteristics: structures necessary for reproduction

5. FEMALE/MALE PUBERTY Onset marked by Menarche---1st menstruation
Around 12 ½ yrs old
Continues until c. 16 yrs
Sperm production begins c. 14 yrs old (Spermarche)
Complete maturation c. 18 yrs. old

6. EFFECTS OF EARLY or LATE MATURATION
Girls who mature unusually early have greater risk of psychological and social difficulties
Same for boys who mature unusually late

7. TURMOIL? G. Stanley Hall: adolescence is characterized by instability
Searching for a self-image
Not all adolescence is turmoil
Subjective

8. TEENAGE SUICIDE Suicide rates among teens lower than other age groups
Attempted more than completed
More teens attempt than complete

9. SEARCH FOR IDENTITY 5th stage of Erikson: identity vs. confusion
A struggle to a concept of unique individuality
Embracing ideology that provides direction
Lifelong process
Intense in adolescence

10. MARCIA’S IDENTITY STATUS
James Marcia
Presence or absence of crisis and commitment combine in various ways
Varying combinations produce 4 different identity statuses

11. FORECLOSURE Premature commitment to values and roles
Allows individuals to circumvent the struggle for identity
Usually backfires

12. MORATORIUM Delaying commitment
Experiment alternative ideologies and careers
Not harmful if temporary

13. IDENTITY DIFFUSION State of apathy Refusal to commit
Compete absence of struggle for identity
Possible lead to personality disorders

14. IDENTITY ACHIEVEMENT Carefully arriving at a sense of self
Conviction in commitments
Flexible
Higher self-esteem and security