Adolescent Development: A Guide to Physical, Cognitive, and Social Changes
Adolescent Development
Physical Development
Pre-Puberty
Hormonal Changes: Onset of secondary sexual characteristics (hair, breasts).
Puberty
Primary Sexual Characteristics: Development of fertility and body harmony.
Adolescence
Consolidation of previous characteristics.
Psychosexual Development
Pre-Puberty
Appearance of sexual impulses and dissociation of love and sex.
Adolescence
Integration of love and sex, and achievement of heterosexual identity.
Moral Development (Kohlberg)
Pre-Conventional (Pre-School)
Obedience to avoid punishment and instrumental relativist orientation.
Conventional (School)
Conventional orientation to law and order.
Post-Conventional (Adolescence)
Social context and utility, and universal ethical principles.
Prudence
- Discernment: Learning from past mistakes, forward-thinking, seeking advice, and judging the morality of actions (object, intention, circumstances).
- Decision
- Action
Wisdom
Virtue that perfects human reason to understand the purpose of life.
Affective Development
Affective Changes
Biological changes, identity formation, grieving (body, parents, childhood), and feelings (inferiority, insecurity, omnipotence).
Emotional Crisis
Sudden mood changes, intense emotions, impulsivity, conflicting feelings (euphoria, depression, anxiety), family/social support, resolution through moral virtues, prudence, wisdom, autonomous identity, emotional instability and incontinence, emotional stability and primacy of reason and will, insecurity and hopelessness, self-confidence and primacy of hope.
Risky Behaviors
Acts that cause harm to the person performing the task. Antecedent-condition-consequence risk.
Cognitive Development
Hypothetical-Deductive Thinking
Solving problems by applying mental operations to real and possible (abstract thinking) situations, analyzing alternatives, and conceiving different solutions.
Pre-Pubertal (11-14 years)
Appearance of hypothetical-deductive thinking, strong ego, and sense of omnipotence reflected in imaginary audience and personal fable.
Puberty (14-17 years)
Consolidation of formal operational thought, increased confidence in thinking, omnipotence, and criticism.
Adolescence (17-21 years)
Decreased egocentrism, increased empathy, and more objective perception of reality.
Erikson’s Stages of Human Development
Erikson’s Concept
Evolutionary product of biological, psychological, and social processes involving self-therapy that heals the wounds of natural crises.
Variables
Biological and cultural influences, individual idiosyncrasies, and personal management of development in response to societal demands.
Identity vs. Identity Confusion (5th Crisis)
Acquisition of a stable and satisfactory sense of personal identity and sexual orientation. Seeking self-acceptance and recognition, and developing a coherent sense of self. Virtue: Loyalty.
Adolescence
Identity crisis is not fully resolved, identity is built by modifying and synthesizing early identifications within a new structure combining psychological skills, interests, and desires. Resolution involves occupational choice, adoption of values, and satisfying sexual identity.
Marcia’s Identity Statuses
Crisis
Period of conscious decision-making related to identity formation.
Commitment
Personal investment in an occupation or belief system.
Determining Identity Status
- Identity Achievement: “Could, but I’m not sure.”
- Foreclosure: “Wouldn’t be prepared, it’s what I wanted to make people happy with that and I too.”
- Moratorium: “Not sure if he knew that would change would answer.”
- Identity Diffusion: “Just if you have me change.”
Affective Development (continued)
Feelings
Hope, optimism, and enthusiasm.
ACIDI (Existential Vacuum)
Sadness that depresses mood. Cause: When family, people, and society do not seem worth living for, or when hope is lost. Consequence: Difficulty coping, escapism, present-focused living, aggression, substance abuse, promiscuity, lack of habits, anguish, defiance of law, and suicidal thoughts.
Educator’s Role
Build practical skills, awaken adolescents’ natural anxiety with the search for ideals, foster practical reason, encourage care and affection, and promote the acquisition and practice of moral habits.
Social Development
Identity vs. Confusion of Identity
Acquisition of a stable sense of personal identity and sexual orientation. Virtue: Loyalty.
Resilience
Ability to adapt successfully despite challenging circumstances.
Five Areas Promoting Resilience
- Social support networks
- Ability to find meaning in life
- Sense of control over life
- Self-esteem
- Sense of humor
Family and Protective Factors
Meeting basic needs, providing support and guidance, and offering a supportive role.
Antecedent Factors of Substance Use
Peer-group and family factors.
Social Skills as a Risk Factor
Rejection of peer offers, social skills deficits, and lack of empathy.
Personality Traits as Risk Factors
Impulsiveness, adventurism, anxiety, and negative self-concept.
Sociodemographic Correlates and Risk Factors
Socioeconomic status, gender, and age.
Virtues in Adolescence
- Temperance: Moderation of pleasures (abstinence, chastity).
- Fortitude: Firmness in pursuing good (courage, magnanimity, magnificence, resistance, perseverance, steadfastness, patience).