Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

What Changes Mark theTransition of Adolescence?

Adolescence offers new developmental challenges

growing out of physical changes, cognitive changes, and socio-emotional changes

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

The Transitions of Adolescence

Adolescence Developmental period beginning at puberty

and ending at adulthood

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Rites of Passage

• Social rituals that mark the transition between developmental stages, especially between childhood and adulthood

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Rites of Passage• Beginning high school• First kiss• First serious

relationship• Turning 16• Getting a driver’s

license• Turning 18• Graduating high school• Turning 21

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Physical Maturation in Adolescence

• Puberty Onset of sexual maturity

• Around puberty, boys and girls become more aware of their physical attractiveness

Judged Socially CompetentJudged Socially CompetentMore Capable AthleteMore Capable Athlete

Social Recognition (Peers/Adults)Social Recognition (Peers/Adults)Overestimation of His CompetenciesOverestimation of His CompetenciesGranted “Older” Privileges/ResponseGranted “Older” Privileges/Response

Parents Hold Higher AspirationsParents Hold Higher AspirationsEnjoys Positive Self-Fulfilling ProphecyEnjoys Positive Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Treated as “Younger” Child by AdultsTreated as “Younger” Child by Adults““Younger” Treatment = Negative SFPYounger” Treatment = Negative SFP

Childish Dependence/ImmaturityChildish Dependence/ImmaturityThe “Last-Of-All-To-Mature”The “Last-Of-All-To-Mature”

Low Social Status (Sports/Social)Low Social Status (Sports/Social)More Anxious/Less Sure of SelfMore Anxious/Less Sure of Self

Scores Lower on Achieve. Tests (EA)Scores Lower on Achieve. Tests (EA)

““Some” Anxiety Waiting to MatureSome” Anxiety Waiting to MatureNot Nearly as Disadvantagous As Late Not Nearly as Disadvantagous As Late

BoysBoysOutperform Other StudentsOutperform Other Students

Matures at Closer Time w/ BoysMatures at Closer Time w/ Boys

The Only One in Grade DevelopedThe Only One in Grade DevelopedNo Status in Being Large/MuscledNo Status in Being Large/Muscled

Boys Yet to Appreciate DevelopmentBoys Yet to Appreciate DevelopmentSubject to Teasing and RidiculeSubject to Teasing and Ridicule

Associated w/ Low Self-Esteem/Dep.Associated w/ Low Self-Esteem/Dep.Become Popular w/ Boys (LA)Become Popular w/ Boys (LA)

Socialize w/ Older Companions (Boys)Socialize w/ Older Companions (Boys)Steered Toward “Older” Risk BehaviorsSteered Toward “Older” Risk Behaviors

EarlyEarlyvs.vs.

LateLateMaturationMaturation

EarlyEarlyvs.vs.

LateLateMaturationMaturation

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Cognitive Development in Adolescence• Teens enter Piaget’s final stage of growth…

Formal Operational Stage (abstract and complex thought)

• Hormones rise to high levels• The frontal lobes undergo a “remodel”

(pruning)• This leads to sensation seeking and risk taking,

and preoccupation with body image and sex

Cognitive Changes• Egocentric version of formal

operations stage• 2 fallacies of teen cognition

–Imaginary audience: delusion that one is constantly being observed by others

–Personal fable: delusion that one is unique, unrealistically important and invulnerable

James Marcia• Modeled work after Erikson• Said teen achieves neither

identity or role confusion, but various degrees of exploring and committing to an identity

• 2 elements necessary to form identity

1. Crisis: a time of upheaval where old values or choices are being reexamined

2. Commitment: dedication to role or value

Marcia’s 4 Identity Statuses• Identity Diffusion –no sense of having choices; he

or she has not yet made (nor is attempting/willing to make) a commitment

• Identity Foreclosure –willing to commit to some relevant roles, values, or goals for the future. NO identity crisis. conform to the expectations of others regarding their future

• Identity Moratorium – IN crisis, exploring choices, but has not made a commitment to these choices

• Identity Achievement/Formation - Completed identity crisis and has committed to identity/value

Marcia’s Marcia’s Modes ofModes ofIdentityIdentity

FormationFormation

Marcia’s Marcia’s Modes ofModes ofIdentityIdentity

FormationFormation