Ch.14 Let's Get Physical
What major biological event signals the start of adolescence?
Puberty
According to Piaget, what stage of thinking emerges during adolescence?
Formal Operational Thought
What central question is key to identity formation in adolescence?
"Who Am I"
Name the rapid period of growth in height and weight that occurs during adolescence.
Adolescent Growth Spurt
Adolescents begin to think more about possibilities, abstractions, and what type of reasoning?
Hypothetical or Abstract Reasoning
Name two primary social relationships that gain importance during adolescence.
Peers/friends and parents/family
Identify two health risks that increase during adolescence.
Ex. Eating Disorders, substance use, STI, Risky Behaviors
Name one major theory of moral development discussed in adolescence.
Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral reasoning
Identify one major social or emotional risk for adolescents
Example Risks: juvenile delinquency, suicide risk, early sexual behavior
What significant brain development occurs in adolescence, particularly in the prefrontal cortex?
Continued myelination and pruning in the prefrontal cortex; improved executive functions
Why is career planning important during adolescence?
Adolescents begin forming future plans, evaluating interests/abilities, trying part-time jobs
What is “emerging adulthood” and why is it significant?
A transitional period (late teens–mid 20s) exploring identity, work, and relationships
Explain the impact of early vs. late puberty on adolescent psychosocial adjustment.
Early puberty: may cause social stress and risk-taking; Late puberty: may cause social anxiety or lower self-esteem
Describe one cognitive challenge related to decision-making in adolescence.
Examples:Difficulty balancing immediate rewards vs. long-term consequences; increased risk-taking
Explain how peer pressure can influence both positive and negative adolescent behaviors.
Peer pressure can encourage prosocial behavior (helping, academics) or negative behaviors (substance use, delinquency)