EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY EIGHTH EDITION IN MODULES David Myers

Physical Development Cognitive Development § Developing Reasoning Power § Developing Morality Social Development §

Adolescence Many psychologists once believed that our traits were set during childhood. Today psychologists

Physical Development Adolescence begins with puberty (sexual maturation). Puberty occurs earlier in females (11

Physical Development During puberty primary sexual characteristics — the reproductive organs and external genitalia

Secondary Sexual Characteristics Also secondary sexual characteristics—the nonreproductive traits such as breasts and hips

Brain Development Teens’ frontal lobes continue to develop and the growth of myelin speeds

Cognitive Development Adolescents’ ability to reason gives them a new level of social awareness,

Developing Reasoning Power According to Piaget, adolescents can handle abstract problems, i. e. ,

Developing Morality Kohlberg (1981, 1984) sought to describe the development of moral reasoning by

3 Basic Levels of Moral Thinking 1. Preconventional Morality: Before age 9, children show

Forming an Identity In Western cultures, many adolescents try out different selves before settling

Forming an Identity For both adolescents and adults, group identities often form around how

Parent and Peer Relationships Although teens become independent of their parents as they grow

Emerging Adulthood Emerging adulthood spans from the late-teens to the midtwenties. During this time,

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Developing Through the Life Span 2

Adolescence Module 12 3

Physical Development Cognitive Development § Developing Reasoning Power § Developing Morality Social Development § Forming an Identity § Parent and Peer Relationships § Emerging Adulthood 4

Adolescence Many psychologists once believed that our traits were set during childhood. Today psychologists believe that development is a lifelong process. Adolescence is the transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence. . 5

Physical Development Adolescence begins with puberty (sexual maturation). Puberty occurs earlier in females (11 years) than males (13 years). Thus height in females increases before males. 6

Physical Development During puberty primary sexual characteristics — the reproductive organs and external genitalia — develop rapidly. The landmarks of puberty are for girls menarche – the first menstrual period. And for boys the first ejaculation or spermarche. 7

Secondary Sexual Characteristics Also secondary sexual characteristics—the nonreproductive traits such as breasts and hips in girls and facial hair and deepening of voice in boys develop. 8

Brain Development Teens’ frontal lobes continue to develop and the growth of myelin speeds neurotransmission and improves communication with other regions of the brain. This lags the emotional limbic system, which along with the hormonal surge, helps explain the impulsiveness, risky behaviors, and emotional storms of adolescence. 9

Cognitive Development Adolescents’ ability to reason gives them a new level of social awareness, leading them to think about: 1. 2. 3. 4. Their own thinking. What others are thinking about them. How ideals can be reached. 10

Developing Reasoning Power According to Piaget, adolescents can handle abstract problems, i. e. , they can performal operations. Adolescents can judge good from evil, truth and justice, and think about God in deeper terms. AP/Wide World Photos William Thomas Cain/ Getty Images 11

Developing Morality Kohlberg (1981, 1984) sought to describe the development of moral reasoning by posing moral dilemmas to children and adolescents, such as “Should a person steal medicine to save a loved one’s life? ” Hurricane Katrina victims were faced with a moral dilemma: Should they help themselves to household necessities? 12

3 Basic Levels of Moral Thinking 1. Preconventional Morality: Before age 9, children show morality to avoid punishment or gain reward. 2. Conventional Morality: By early adolescence, social rules and laws are upheld for their own sake. 3. Postconventional Morality: Affirms people’s agreedupon rights or follows personally perceived ethical principles. 13

Social Development 14

Forming an Identity In Western cultures, many adolescents try out different selves before settling into an identity, a consistent and comfortable sense of who one is. Having such an identity leads to forming close relationships. Matthias Clamer/ Getty Images Leland Bobble/ Getty Images 15

Forming an Identity For both adolescents and adults, group identities often form around how we differ from those around us. Social identity, the “we” aspect of our self-concept, often forms around our distinctiveness. Some adolescents form their identity early, adopting the values and views of their families. Others adopt an identity in opposition to their parents, conforming instead with peers. Erikson contended that the adolescent identity stage is followed in young adulthood by a developing capacity for intimacy, the ability to form close, loving relationships. 16

Parent and Peer Relationships Although teens become independent of their parents as they grow older, they nevertheless relate to their parents on a number of things, including religiosity and career choices. Peer approval and relationships are also very important. 17

Emerging Adulthood Emerging adulthood spans from the late-teens to the midtwenties. During this time, young adults may live with their parents and attend college or work. On average, emerging adults marry in their mid-twenties. 18