1. Chapter 11 Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence
Part VI Adolescence
Chapter 11
Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence

2. How Should We Define Adolescence?
When Does Adolescence Start?
Biological Puberty—hormonal changes, physical changes
Social Changes—interest in dating, cliques, rites, i.e. Bar Mitzvah, Confirmation, etc.
Chronological Changes—girl becomes 11; boy becomes 12 yrs. old.

3. How Should We Define Adolescence?
Theories of Adolescence
Anna Freud’s Psychological Theory
Restoration of balance between ego and id
Renewed Oedipal or Electra Complex
Emphasized the psychological aspect of the biopsychological model

4. How Should We Define Adolescence?
Erik Erikson’s Psychological Theory
Main task of adolescence is to establish an identity
If identity not established, one is in identity confusion
John Hill’s Biopsychosocial Theory
Three factors interrelate:
Biological, Psychological, and Social

5. Physical Development Your Reproductive System When Does Puberty Start?
No single event, but a set of events marks the onset of puberty
The Effects of Timing on Puberty
The Secular Trend=Decreasing age of onset of puberty

6. Physical Development Body Image and Eating Disorders
As body shape changes, can dissatisfaction with change, which can  eating disorders: anorexia and/or bulimia
The Role of Stress: Adolescents are often overwhelmed by all they have to do.
Jobs, school activities, homework, etc.

7. Cognitive Development
Variables in Cognitive Development: Piaget
Concrete Operations with literal thinking Formal Operations with abstract thinking
Adolescent Egocentrism=exaggeration of importance, uniqueness, and severity of their own experiences (Elkind)
Imaginary Audience—always on stage
Personal Fable—adolescent is invincible

8. Cognitive Development
Critical Thinking
Convergent thinking=get one answer
Creative Thinking
Divergent thinking=creative generation of more than one answer
Fluency, flexibility, originality, remote associations

9. Cognitive Development
Mental Health Issues
Adolescent turmoil, abnormal in childhood or adulthood, may be a normal part of adolescence
Suicide rate has tripled in adolescents since 1950’s
Homicide is 3rd leading cause of death
Major Depression is increasing