1. Adolesence
HBSE II – Session 6

2. Adolescence – Physical Changes
Early: years
Middle: years
Late: years
Adolescence has been described as a “socially constructed” age; it has a universal cultural context – the transition from childhood to adulthood. The one we recognize now in the western industrialized world was created in the late 19th century: 1) extended formal schooling; 2) prolonged economic dependency

3. Adolescence – Physical Changes
Puberty:
Physical growth
Secondary sex characteristics
Reproductive capacity
Menarche
First menstruation
Average age of onset: years; varies significantly across global comparisons
Does not indicate fertility – may occur much later – pelvic bones of average female cannot sustain a normal pregnancy until about years of age

4. Adolescence - Psychological
Recapitulation of infancy (struggle to regain mastery; individuate; preoccupation with the present) – Freud, Mahler et al
Identity formation: Identity vs. role diffusion (Erikson); resolve identities in both the individual and social spheres (who am I? Who do people think I am?)
“Disorders of the self”: vulnerable to low self-esteem, lack of goals, immobilization or dangerous acting out and risk-taking behaviors

5. Adolescence - Sexuality
Sexual identity development: cultural context for sexual experimentation, role play
Dominant heterosexual culture demands conformity – how does someone develop an alternative sexual identity?
“Coming out” – stage linear theory: 1) self-labeling, disclosure to others, public disclosure
Gender differences in sexual identity development
Racial/ethnic differences in non-heterosexual identity development
Little research on transgender identity development

6. Adolescence – Racial/ethnic Identity Development
Socio-cultural context
Stage theory: Phinney
“Unexamined ethnic identity” – lack of self-awareness; minimal conflict
“Ethnic identity search” – period of exploration, may be discomfort because of conflicts, oppositional identity
“achieved ethnic identity” – positive attitude towards one’s own identity, sense of belonging

7. Adolescence – Changing Significance of Attachment
Desire for independence, peer group, identity, interest in sexuality
Parents and other authority figures are less significant
Parental role shifts
Developmental differences in life stage between parents and adolescents
“Separation-individuation” process requires parents to set goals for independence and autonomy; parents can provide a secure base; adolescents move away from being cared for to taking on caretaking roles themselves

8. Adolescence - Challenges
Teen pregnancy
Teen pregnancy rates in the US have declined steadily: 117 per 1000 in 1990 to 67 per 1000 in 2010 (37% decline)
86% is attributable to use of contraception
59% of teen pregnancies end in birth; 30% in abortion
International Comparison:
Canada (27 per 1000)
Sweden (31 per 1000)
What factors are involved in teen pregnancy?