YOU’RE NOT ADULTS YET. YOU NEED ECONOMIC AND EMOTIONAL INDEPENDENCE FOR THAT!

ADOLESCENCE

PUBESCENCE

Adolescent Growth Spurt: around age 11; rapid change in height and weight

Actually takes place preadolescence

Pubescence: 2 yr span preceding puberty; changes leading to physical and sexual maturity

PUBESCENCE TO PUBERTY

Secondary sex characteristics: physical features that distinguish one sex from the other; not necessary for reproduction

Capacity to reproduce begins with puberty

Hey ladies!

PUBERTY

DEF: the stage during which sexual functions reach maturity; marks the beginning of adolescence

Primary sex characteristics: structures necessary for reproduction

FEMALE MALE

Onset marked by Menarche---1st menstruation

Around 12 ½ yrs oldContinues until c.

16 yrs

Sperm production begins c. 14 yrs old

Complete maturation c. 18 yrs. old

FEMALE/MALE PUBERTY

EFFECTS OF EARLY or LATE MATURATION

Girls who mature unusually early have greater risk of psychological and social difficulties

Same for boys who mature unusually late

TURMOIL?

G. Stanley Hall: adolescence is characterized by instability

Searching for a self-image

Not all adolescence is turmoil

Subjective

TEENAGE SUICIDE

Suicide rates among teens lower than other age groups

Attempted more than completed

More teens attempt than complete

SEARCH FOR IDENTITY

5th stage of Erikson: identity vs. confusion

A struggle to a concept of unique individuality

Embracing ideology that provides direction

Lifelong processIntense in

adolescence

MARCIA’S IDENTITY STATUS

James MarciaPresence or absence

of crisis and commitment combine in various ways

Varying combinations produce 4 different identity statuses

FORECLOSURE

Premature commitment to values and roles

Allows individuals to circumvent the struggle for identity

Usually backfires

MORATORIUM

Delaying commitmentExperiment

alternative ideologies and careers

Not harmful if temporary

IDENTITY DIFFUSION

State of apathyRefusal to commitCompete absence of

struggle for identityPossible lead to

personality disorders

IDENTITY ACHIEVEMENT

Carefully arriving at a sense of self

Conviction in commitments

FlexibleHigher self-esteem

and security