Personal Growth Adolescent & Adult Development

Adolescence A. Cognitive Development –Within Piaget’s Formal Operational Stage Classify Think logically and abstractly Hypothesize –Key Challenge: Adolescent Egocentrism Inability to view the world from the perspective of others Pressing a position w/o recognizing practical real-world limitations or problems (example)

Adolescence A. Cognitive Development (continued) –Consequences of Adolescent Egocentrism Imaginary audience –belief that others are as concerned about our thoughts and behavior as we are (example) –self-consciousness, need for privacy Personal Fable –belief that our feelings and ideas are special, unique and that we are invulnerable –taking risks; “it won’t happen to me;” “no one understands me”

Adolescence B. Social & Personality Development –Period of “Storm and Stress” (G. Stanley Hall) 3 Major Areas: –Conflict with parents –Fluctuations in mood –Risky Behavior Moderators –Strong traditional roots, older “confidants” “Minority” Cultural Backgrounds –Cultural disconnectedness (i.e. “fitting in”)

Adolescence B. Social & Personality Development (continued) –Period of “Storm and Stress” Negative Consequences (statistics) –Each year 10% adolescent girls become pregnant –Nearly 10% teenage boys & 20% teenage girls attempt suicide –Leading cause of death among adolescents: Motor vehicle crashes »alcohol »distraction of driver

Adolescence B. Social & Personality Development (continued) –Period of “Storm and Stress” Negative Consequences (statistics) –For ages 10-24, 72% of all deaths come from: »Motor-vehicle crashes (31%), Other unintentional injuries (11%), homicide (18%), Suicide (12%) Other factors –Hormonal changes »impacts activity levels, mood swings, aggressive tendencies –Sociocultural factors (e.g. SES, family issues)

Adolescence B. Social & Personality Development (continued) –Period of “Storm and Stress” Differences in personality –High risk vs. Low risk takers

Adolescence+ C. Emerging Adulthood –What does it mean to be an adult? –Defined: prd that bridges the gap b/t adolescence and independence –Exists only in societies where young people have extended periods of independent role exploration –Erickson’s identity moratorium deep search for personal identity, examination of values and life possibilities while in an identity crisis