YOU’RE NOT ADULTS YET. YOU NEED ECONOMIC AND EMOTIONAL INDEPENDENCE FOR THAT! ADOLESCENCE
YOU’RE NOT ADULTS YET. YOU NEED ECONOMIC AND EMOTIONAL INDEPENDENCE FOR THAT!
ADOLESCENCE
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
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
Hey ladies!
PUBERTY
DEF: the stage during which sexual functions reach maturity; marks the beginning of adolescence
Primary sex characteristics: structures necessary for reproduction
FEMALE MALE
Onset marked by Menarche---1st menstruation
Around 12 ½ yrs oldContinues until c.
16 yrs
Sperm production begins c. 14 yrs old
Complete maturation c. 18 yrs. old
FEMALE/MALE PUBERTY
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
TURMOIL?
G. Stanley Hall: adolescence is characterized by instability
Searching for a self-image
Not all adolescence is turmoil
Subjective
TEENAGE SUICIDE
Suicide rates among teens lower than other age groups
Attempted more than completed
More teens attempt than complete
SEARCH FOR IDENTITY
5th stage of Erikson: identity vs. confusion
A struggle to a concept of unique individuality
Embracing ideology that provides direction
Lifelong processIntense in
adolescence
MARCIA’S IDENTITY STATUS
James MarciaPresence or absence
of crisis and commitment combine in various ways
Varying combinations produce 4 different identity statuses
FORECLOSURE
Premature commitment to values and roles
Allows individuals to circumvent the struggle for identity
Usually backfires
MORATORIUM
Delaying commitmentExperiment
alternative ideologies and careers
Not harmful if temporary
IDENTITY DIFFUSION
State of apathyRefusal to commitCompete absence of
struggle for identityPossible lead to
personality disorders
IDENTITY ACHIEVEMENT
Carefully arriving at a sense of self
Conviction in commitments
FlexibleHigher self-esteem
and security