Developmental Stages
What are the four main stages of adolescent development?
Early adolescence, middle adolescence, late adolescence, and emerging adulthood.
What is identity formation?
The process of developing a clear sense of self and personal values
What is a common emotional experience during adolescence?
Mood swings due to hormonal and social changes
What part of the brain is still developing in adolescence?
The prefrontal cortex
Name two common risk behaviors in adolescents.
Name two common risk behaviors in adolescents.
What major challenge defines Erikson’s stage of adolescence?
Identity vs. role confusion
How do peers influence identity during adolescence?
Peers shape interests, behaviors, and self-perception through acceptance or rejection
How does social media impact emotional health in teens?
Can lead to comparison, anxiety, or validation-seeking behaviors
Why do adolescents often engage in risky behavior?
Their limbic system develops earlier than their impulse control
What are protective factors in adolescent development?
Supportive relationships, school engagement, and self-efficacy
How does Piaget describe adolescent thinking in the formal operational stage?
Adolescents develop abstract and hypothetical thinking
What is a moratorium in identity development?
A time when adolescents explore options without committing to a single identity
What role does self-esteem play in adolescence?
Influences confidence, mental health, and decision-making
What is metacognition, and why is it important in adolescence?
Thinking about one’s own thinking; it helps with decision-making and self-awareness
What is resilience in psychology?
The ability to recover and adapt after facing adversity
What is the difference between early and late adolescence?
Early is marked by physical changes; late focuses on identity and independence
What does Marcia’s identity status theory focus on?
Commitment and exploration in identity development
How do friendships evolve during adolescence?
They become more emotionally supportive and based on shared values
How do sleep patterns change in teens?
Teens experience a shift in their circadian rhythm, often staying up later
How can schools help reduce risky behavior?
Through education, mentorship, and mental health support
What developmental tasks are key during adolescence? (list 3+)
Identity formation
Increased independence
Peer and relationship development
Cognitive maturity
Career and academic planning
Moral and value development
Sexual and gender identity
How can culture shape adolescent identity?
Culture shapes adolescent identity by influencing values, beliefs, traditions, and expectations that guide how teens see themselves and their roles in society.
Why do adolescents sometimes struggle with emotional regulation?
Adolescents sometimes struggle with emotional regulation because their brain regions responsible for impulse control and emotion are still developing.
What are executive functions, and how do they relate to adolescents?
Executive functions are mental skills like planning, focus, and self-control, which are still developing in adolescents and affect their decision-making and behavior.
What are long-term impacts of chronic adolescent stress?
Chronic adolescent stress can lead to long-term impacts like anxiety, depression, weakened immune function, and difficulty with emotional regulation in adulthood.