Adolescence  (13 – 18 years) – Physical

1. Describe physical development during these years.
2. Was this typical or atypical development?
3. Textbook information about this stage

Adolescence  (13 – 18 years)- Cognitive

1. Theory/Theorist: Define theory and Stage if a stage theory.
   1. Textbook information about this stage
2.   Event/behavior that illustrates the theory:
3.  How Event Connects to the theory (Connect to source and cite):

 Adolescence  (13 – 18 years)– Social-Emotional

1. Theory/Theorist: Define theory and Stage if a stage theory
   1. Textbook information about this stage
2. Event/behavior that illustrates the theory:
3.  How Event Connects to the theory (Connect to source and cite):

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Adolescence (13 – 18 years) – Physical Development

Adolescence is a time of rapid physical growth and changes. During these years, individuals experience puberty, which marks the beginning of sexual maturation. Physical development includes growth spurts, the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics, and changes in body composition (e.g., increased muscle mass in males, increased body fat in females).

1. Growth Spurts: The growth spurt during adolescence typically occurs earlier in girls (around ages 10-11) and later in boys (around ages 12-13). During this phase, teens may grow 3-4 inches per year.

2. Primary and Secondary Sexual Characteristics: For girls, primary sexual characteristics like the development of ovaries and secondary characteristics like breast development and menstruation are prominent. In boys, primary sexual characteristics like the enlargement of the testes and secondary characteristics such as facial hair and deepening of the voice develop.

3. Body Composition: Boys typically gain more muscle mass and body hair, while girls typically accumulate more body fat, particularly around the hips and breasts.

Typical or Atypical Development:
This stage typically follows a predictable trajectory in terms of physical development, though the exact timing of puberty can vary between individuals. For example, early or delayed puberty can result in atypical development. Early puberty in girls or late puberty in boys can cause psychological challenges, such as self-esteem issues or difficulty fitting in with peers.

Textbook Information: According to developmental psychology textbooks, physical development during adolescence is marked by significant hormonal changes that lead to sexual maturation, growth spurts, and alterations in body composition (Santrock, 2018).

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Adolescence (13 – 18 years) – Cognitive Development

Theory/Theorist: Piaget’s Formal Operational Stage

Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is based on the idea that adolescents move into the Formal Operational Stage around the age of 12. During this stage, adolescents develop the ability to think abstractly, logically, and systematically. They can reason about hypothetical situations, think about future possibilities, and engage in more complex problem-solving.

• Stage Definition: The Formal Operational Stage is characterized by the ability to use abstract thinking, formulate hypotheses, and think about concepts that are not directly related to their immediate environment. This is a key difference from the concrete operational thinking of younger children.

• Textbook Information: Piaget’s theory suggests that adolescence marks the period when individuals can engage in deductive reasoning and hypothetical thinking. This allows them to consider multiple perspectives and think about future outcomes (Santrock, 2018).

Event/Behavior That Illustrates the Theory:
A typical event illustrating Piaget’s Formal Operational Stage is when an adolescent engages in hypothetical-deductive reasoning. For example, an adolescent may debate the consequences of climate change and propose solutions to global warming, thinking about abstract and future possibilities.

How Event Connects to the Theory:
The ability to think critically about complex and hypothetical issues, like climate change, demonstrates the cognitive advancement that occurs in the Formal Operational Stage. The adolescent’s ability to consider abstract concepts and engage in systematic problem-solving connects directly to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development (Santrock, 2018).

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Adolescence (13 – 18 years) – Social-Emotional Development

Theory/Theorist: Erik Erikson’s Identity vs. Role Confusion Stage

Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development suggests that adolescence is a critical time for identity formation. The key developmental task during this period is achieving a sense of identity versus experiencing role confusion. Adolescents explore various roles and possibilities, trying to determine who they are and where they fit into society.

• Stage Definition: The identity vs. role confusion stage occurs during adolescence, where individuals must resolve the question, “Who am I?” Adolescents explore different aspects of their identity, such as career goals, sexual orientation, and values, while facing pressures from peers and society.

• Textbook Information: According to Erikson, a successful resolution of this stage leads to a stable sense of identity, while failure to achieve this results in confusion and uncertainty about one’s place in the world (Santrock, 2018).

Event/Behavior That Illustrates the Theory:
A teenager might change their appearance by experimenting with different clothing styles or haircuts or express differing viewpoints, signaling their exploration of identity. They may also go through periods of experimenting with different friend groups or interests to see where they belong.

How Event Connects to the Theory:
This event exemplifies the identity vs. role confusion stage as the adolescent seeks to form a personal identity by experimenting with different roles and behaviors. Such exploration is crucial to Erikson’s notion of achieving a sense of identity. Failing to experiment or facing rejection can lead to role confusion, where the adolescent struggles to find their place (Santrock, 2018).

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References

• Santrock, J. W. (2018). Life-Span Development (16th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

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