Early Adolescence (12 to 18 years) Photo: Radius Images/Jupiter Images Figure 9.6 Romance begins to stir in the halls of the high school.

Learning Objectives Describe the patterns of physical maturation during puberty for female and male adolescents, and analyze the impact of early and late maturing on self-concept and social relationships.

Learning Objectives Summarize the development of romantic and sexual relationships, and evaluate the factors that influence the transition to coitus, the formation of a sexual orientation, and pregnancy and parenthood in early adolescence.

Learning Objectives Identify the basic features of formal operational thought, and explain the factors that promote the development of advanced reasoning at this period of life. Examine patterns of emotional development in early adolescence, and describe the nature of emotional expression in three problem areas: eating disorders, delinquency, and depression.

Learning Objectives Analyze the nature of peer relations in early adolescence, especially the formation of cliques and crowds, and contrast the typical relationships with parents and peers during this stage.

Learning Objectives Explain the psychosocial crisis of group identity versus alienation, the central process through which the crisis is resolved, peer pressure, the prime adaptive ego quality of fidelity to others, and the core pathology of isolation.

Learning Objectives Apply your understanding of developmental issues of early adolescence to an analysis of factors that account for patterns of adolescent alcohol and drug use.

Case Study – Balancing Autonomy and Closeness in Early Adolescence Reflections What are some typical tensions for adolescents in the United States today? How might Evelyn’s ethnic and social class identities influence her pathway through adolescence? Do you think Evelyn’s goals will change in the next five years? Why or why not? APA Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology This slide offers students the opportunity to use critical thinking effectively (suggested learning outcome 3.1) by evaluating the quality of information and behavioral claims, developing sound arguments, and articulating problems clearly (3.3 & 3.4).   APA Goal 7: Communication Skills This slide provides students the opportunity to communicate effectively in a variety of formats such as writing, oral communication, interpersonal communication, and collaboration (suggested learning outcomes 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, and 7.5).

Developmental Tasks – Physical Maturation Early adolescence - onset of puberty until roughly age 18 Rapid physical changes Cognitive and emotional maturation Energized sexual interests Sensitivity to peer relations Later adolescence – age 18 until 24 Autonomy from family Personal identity develops APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates theory and research representing biological bases of behavior and mental processes (suggested learning outcome 1.2).

Developmental Tasks – Physical Maturation Puberty Neurological and endocrinological changes influence brain development Changes in sexual maturation, hormone production, and physical growth Variation in onset Adrenal glands mature at 8 or 9 Growth in height – up until late 20s Rites of passage mark transitions APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates theory and research representing biological bases of behavior and mental processes (suggested learning outcome 1.2). This slide also demonstrates the variability in behavior within and across species (suggested learning outcome 1.2).

Primary and Secondary Sex Characteristics for Boys and Girls Table 9.1 The Development of Primary and Secondary Sex Characteristics for Boys and Girls

Physical Maturation: Physical Changes in Girls Early puberty – speculated causes Obesity Hormones in meat Increased use of environmental insecticides Absence of fathers in household Exposure to sexual stimulation in media Earliest signs of puberty – 8 or 9 Breast buds and pubic hair Onset of menarche - average age is 12 APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology APA Goal 8: Sociocultural and International Awareness This slide demonstrates theory and research representing biological bases of behavior and mental processes (suggested learning outcome 1.2). This slide also explains how sociocultural and international contexts influence development (suggested learning outcome 8.2).

Physical Maturation: Physical Changes in Girls Concerns about obesity Body dissatisfaction Related to social pressures to be thin and erroneous body image Contributes to eating disorders Reactions to breast development and menarche Breast development is usually welcome Onset of menarche – positive and negative feelings APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology APA Goal 8: Sociocultural and International Awareness This slide demonstrates theory and research representing biological bases of behavior and mental processes (suggested learning outcome 1.2). This slide also explains how sociocultural and international contexts influence development (suggested learning outcome 8.2).

Physical Maturation: Physical Changes in Girls Obesity is related to activity level For girls, one of the compounding factors in obesity is that they tend to reduce their activity level with age (Finne, Bucksch, & Lampert, 2011) Increasing physical activity might address issues of obesity, but often girls fear displaying themselves in a way that highlights their obesity How can we bridge these seeming contradictions? APA Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology This slide offers students the opportunity to use critical thinking effectively (suggested learning outcome 3.1) by evaluating the quality of information and behavioral claims, developing sound arguments, and articulating problems clearly (3.3 & 3.4).   APA Goal 7: Communication Skills This slide provides students the opportunity to communicate effectively in a variety of formats such as writing, oral communication, interpersonal communication, and collaboration (suggested learning outcomes 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, and 7.5).

Physical Maturation: Physical Changes in Boys Increased height, muscle mass, and physical skills are a welcome transition Ambivalence toward rapid growth and awkwardness Body image dissatisfaction Spermarche – median age is 14 First spontaneous ejaculation can be source of anxiety Secondary sex characteristics – facial/body hair APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates theory and research representing biological bases of behavior and mental processes (suggested learning outcome 1.2).

Physical Maturation: Other Factors How does cultural context affect reactions to puberty? Secular growth trend Influenced by changing environment Earlier age of menarche and spermarche The age at onset of puberty and the rate of change in physical maturation vary Early and late maturing have psychological and social consequences for both boys and girls APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology APA Goal 8: Sociocultural and International Awareness This slide demonstrates theory and research representing biological bases of behavior and mental processes (suggested learning outcome 1.2). The overarching theme of the interaction of heredity and environment are also discussed (suggested learning outcome 1.2). This slide also explains how sociocultural and international contexts influence development (suggested learning outcome 8.2).

Romantic and Sexual Relationships Gradual transition into sexualized relationships Dating – initial context for much sexual activity Friendships with opposite sex – paradigm for future role Sexual experience in non-committed relationships – “hooking up” First intercourse Recent trend toward delay Boys sexually active at younger age APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates concepts that describe antecedents and consequences of behavior and mental processes involved with sexual relationships (suggested learning outcome 1.3).

Romantic and Sexual Relationships Dating scripts are highly dependent on peer and community norms Religious beliefs affect early sexual behavior First intercourse may take place in several different contexts Sexual orientation Decision to claim a sexual minority orientation is influenced by self-labeling and disclosure APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates concepts that describe antecedents and consequences of behavior and mental processes involved with sexual relationships (suggested learning outcome 1.3). Figure 9.9 A group of several hundred people demonstrate in support of a new high school for lesbian and gay students in New York City. The Harvey Milk High School opened for the first day of school with 100 students. What might be some developmental outcomes of attending a LGBTQ high school?

A Model of the Transition to First Coitus in Early Adolescence Figure 9.8 A Model of the Transition to First Coitus in Early Adolescence

Problems and Conflicts Associated with Sexuality Dating violence Inconsistent contraception Sexually transmitted infections About 25% of sexually active teens contract a sexually transmitted disease each year Teens are especially at risk for chlamydia, genital herpes, and gonorrhea APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates concepts that describe antecedents and consequences of behavior and mental processes (suggested learning outcome 1.3). APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide demonstrates how psychological concepts, theories, and research findings can apply to everyday life and be used to explain and guide social issues (APA suggested learning outcomes 4.3 and 4.4).

Problems and Conflicts Associated with Sexuality Adolescent pregnancy Predictors Low parental education Low grades in school Single parent household Low resource households Consequences Poverty Lack of prenatal care can lead to birth complications APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates concepts that describe antecedents and consequences of behavior and mental processes (suggested learning outcome 1.3). APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide demonstrates how psychological concepts, theories, and research findings can apply to everyday life and be used to explain and guide social issues (APA suggested learning outcomes 4.3 and 4.4).

Problems and Conflicts Associated with Sexuality Although the focus of studies on adolescent pregnancy has been on girls, there is growing interest in early fatherhood What are the various ways in which teenage boys are affected by becoming young fathers? APA Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology This slide offers students the opportunity to use critical thinking effectively (suggested learning outcome 3.1) by evaluating the quality of information and behavioral claims, developing sound arguments, and articulating problems clearly (3.3 & 3.4).   APA Goal 7: Communication Skills This slide provides students the opportunity to communicate effectively in a variety of formats such as writing, oral communication, interpersonal communication, and collaboration (suggested learning outcomes 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, and 7.5).

Formal Operations: Brain Development in Adolescence Major transformations in thought, reasoning, and problem-solving are accompanied by brain changes Periods of intense production of neurons Periods of sculpting and pruning Cerebral cortex reaches peak of gray matter Piaget theorized a shift from concrete to formal operational thought APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide presents developmental changes in behavior/mental processes across the life span (suggested learning outcome 1.2).

Six Characteristics of Formal Operational Thought The ability to: Mentally manipulate more than two categories of variables simultaneously Think about the changes that come with time Hypothesize logical sequences of events. Foresee consequences of actions Detect logical consistency or inconsistency in a set of statements Think in relativistic ways about self, others, and the world Table 9.2 New Conceptual Skills that Emerge During the Stage of Formal Operational Thought

Factors that Promote Formal Operational Thought Involvement in a variety of relationships that place both compatible and conflicting demands on them Participation in a more heterogeneous peer group Diverse and complex high school curriculum with creative applications APA Goal 1: Knowledge base of Psychology This slide uses presents theory representing learning and cognition (suggested learning outcome 1.2).

Criticism of the Concept of Formal Operations Does formal reasoning follows a qualitative, stage-like consolidation? Is formal reasoning broad enough to encompass the many dimensions of cognitive maturation? Does formal operational thought represent the apex or end point of adult thought and reasoning? APA Goal 1: Knowledge base of Psychology This slide uses presents theory representing learning and cognition (suggested learning outcome 1.2).

Emotional Development Involves: Increased emotional complexity The interdependence of cognition and emotion Leads to the ability to: Emphasize with others Understand one’s own emotions Monitor and manage emotions Internalize and externalize emotion

Imbalance Model of Neurobiological Development Figure 9.14 Imbalance Model of Neurobiological Development

Eating Disorders Eating disorders are examples of internalizing problems Anorexia nervosa Bulimia Certain genetic factors may be involved Public health experts are working to create a more positive acceptance of people with various body types and shapes APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates concepts that describe antecedents and consequences of behavior and mental processes involved with emotional development (suggested learning outcome 1.3). APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide applies psychological concepts as they relate to everyday life (suggested learning outcome 4.4) and identifies appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems in the pursuit and effect of healthy lifestyles (suggested learning outcome 4.2).

Depression Depressed mood: feelings of sadness with loss of hope Depressive syndrome: a constellation of behaviors and emotions, e.g., sadness, anxious, fearful, worried, guilty, and worthless Major depressive disorder: two weeks of depressed mood, plus weight change, insomnia, fatigue, and recurring thoughts of suicide APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates concepts and language related to one of the major theoretical perspectives in psychology and applies to the suggested learning outcome 1.4.

Factors Associated with Depression Genetic factors Parental Loss/Rejection Social alienation Excessive demands Not enough sleep Romantic concerns Decisions about future Loneliness Academic challenge APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates concepts that describe antecedents and consequences of behavior from one of the major theoretical perspectives in psychology (suggested learning outcomes 1.3 and 1.4).

Gender Differences in Depression Most studies find no differences in depression between prepubescent boys and girls From about age 11 to 15, gender differences are evident and continue to be evident into adulthood where depression is more common in females than males APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide presents research representing individual differences in the development of depression (suggested learning outcome 1.2).

Delinquency Acts for which an adult would be punished Also acts specific to adolescents – truancy An example of externalizing problems Indicates difficulty in controlling impulses Biological, psychological, and societal risk factors Weapon carrying is a public health safety concern APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide demonstrates how psychological concepts, theories, and research findings can apply to everyday life and be used to explain and guide social issues (APA suggested learning outcomes 4.3 and 4.4).

Membership in the Peer Group Peer group membership becomes more salient in early adolescence Dyadic friendships become increasingly important Interactions across classroom boundaries are more common

Cliques and Crowds Cliques: small friendship groups of 5 to 10 Crowd: large group that is usually recognized by a few predominant characteristics What are some examples of crowds? How do clique or crowd affiliation affect behavior? APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide demonstrates how psychological concepts, theories, and research findings can apply to everyday life and be used to explain and guide social issues (APA suggested learning outcomes 4.3 and 4.4).

Group Boundaries and Norms Membership in cliques is relatively stable, but always vulnerable to change Reputational identity can be difficult to lose in a stable school population Membership in an adolescent peer group is a forerunner of membership in adult social groups APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide applies psychological concepts as they relate to everyday life (suggested learning outcome 4.4).

Parents and Peers Relationships grow to include extended family Adolescents indicate overt signs of independence from their families Conflict with parents increases during adolescence Quality of home environment and relationships affect membership in peer groups APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide behavior at the level of the family system (suggested learning outcome 1.3). APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide also applies psychological concepts as they relate to everyday life (suggested learning outcome 4.4).

The Psychosocial Crisis: Group Identity Versus Alienation Early adolescents search for group membership Cognitive processes that support group identity formation Group representations Group operations Reflective thinking about groups APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates one of the major theoretical perspectives in psychology and applies to the suggested learning outcome 1.4.

Group Identity Four experiences that build group identity Categorizing people and recognizing distinguishing features of group members Experiencing a sense of history as a member of a group Emotional investment in the group Social evaluation of one’s group and its relation to other groups APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates one of the major theoretical perspectives in psychology and applies to the suggested learning outcome 1.4.

Alienation Social estrangement Common identity Common bond Alienation may help young people to re-integrate into a more suitable group APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide demonstrates one of the major theoretical perspectives in psychology and applies to the suggested learning outcome 1.4.

The Central Process: Peer Pressure A demand for conformity to group norms and a demonstration of commitment and loyalty Often used with a negative connotation Can highlight the role of the peer group in the radius of significant others Affiliating with a peer group Conflicts between belonging and personal autonomy APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide demonstrates how psychological concepts, theories, and research findings can apply to everyday life (suggested learning outcome 4.3).

The Prime Adaptive Ego Quality and The Core Pathology Fidelity to others: the ability to freely pledge and sustain loyalties to others, to values and to ideologies Dissociation: a sense of separateness or withdrawal from others or an inability to experience the bond of mutual commitment APA Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology This slide uses the concepts and language of psychology and applies to the suggested learning outcome 1.4.

Applied Topic: Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Use What are the factors associated with alcohol use? Physical Cognitive Motivation and emotion Social context APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide demonstrates how psychological concepts, theories, and research findings can apply to everyday life and be used to explain and guide social issues (APA suggested learning outcomes 4.3 and 4.4).

Your Perspective Is alcohol and drug use simply a normal rite of passage for adolescents? If adolescents experiment with alcohol and drugs early, are they more vulnerable to serious involvement with these substances as adults? Why or why not? What are the health risks associated with adolescent drug and alcohol use? APA Goal 4: Application of Psychology This slide demonstrates how psychological concepts, theories, and research findings can apply to everyday life and be used to explain and guide social issues (APA suggested learning outcomes 4.3 and 4.4). APA Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology This slide offers students the opportunity to use critical thinking effectively (suggested learning outcome 3.1) by evaluating the quality of information and behavioral claims, developing sound arguments, and articulating problems clearly (3.3 & 3.4).   APA Goal 7: Communication Skills This slide provides students the opportunity to communicate effectively in a variety of formats such as writing, oral communication, interpersonal communication, and collaboration (suggested learning outcomes 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, and 7.5).