All Flashcards
What is G. Stanley Hall's view on adolescence?
He recognized adolescence as a time of stress and challenge.
Explain the concept of neural pruning during adolescence.
Unused neural connections are eliminated, strengthening frequently used ones, optimizing brain function.
What role does myelin play in adolescent brain development?
Myelin growth speeds up neurotransmission, improving brain efficiency.
Why is the frontal lobe important during adolescence?
It's crucial for rational thinking, planning, and abstract thought, but develops slower than the limbic system.
What is the significance of abstract thinking in adolescence?
It allows teens to ponder complex issues like morality and justice, motivating them to advocate for causes.
How do individualistic and collectivist cultures differ in identity formation?
Individualistic cultures emphasize personal identity, while collectivist cultures prioritize group harmony.
Explain the role of parents in adolescent social development.
Positive relationships with parents are crucial, even as teens pull away and question beliefs.
How do peers influence adolescent social development?
Teens tend towards conformity and are susceptible to peer pressure; social isolation can be tough.
What is the impact of the limbic system on adolescent behavior?
As the center of basic emotions, its early development can lead to impulsive decisions before the frontal lobe matures.
What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in adolescent decision-making?
The prefrontal cortex, which isn't fully developed until around 25, is responsible for thinking things through, which explains why teens might not always think things through.
How can understanding frontal lobe development help parents?
It helps them understand why teens might make impulsive decisions and guide them towards rational thinking.
How can schools apply the knowledge of peer influence?
By creating positive peer groups and mentoring programs to encourage healthy behaviors.
How can understanding cultural differences in identity formation help educators?
By tailoring approaches to support students from both individualistic and collectivist backgrounds.
How can knowing about the selection effect help prevent risky behavior?
By encouraging teens to choose friends who promote positive values and behaviors.
How can understanding abstract thinking help in teaching?
Teachers can engage students in discussions about morality and justice to foster critical thinking.
Give an example of how abstract thinking can be applied in real life.
Teens may advocate for causes they care about and want to change the world.
How can the knowledge of individualistic and collectivist cultures be applied in social settings?
By understanding that individualistic cultures prioritize personal goals, while collectivist cultures prioritize group harmony.
How can understanding the role of parents in adolescent social development be applied in real life?
By encouraging positive relationships with parents, even as teens pull away and question beliefs.
How can the knowledge of peer influence be applied in real life?
By recognizing that teens tend towards conformity and are susceptible to peer pressure; social isolation can be tough.
How can understanding the impact of the limbic system on adolescent behavior be applied in real life?
By recognizing that as the center of basic emotions, its early development can lead to impulsive decisions before the frontal lobe matures.
How does frontal lobe development affect decision-making in adolescents?
Slower frontal lobe development leads to more impulsive decisions due to underdeveloped rational thinking.
What is the effect of neural pruning on cognitive abilities?
It strengthens frequently used connections, improving cognitive efficiency, but eliminates unused ones.
How does peer pressure impact adolescent behavior?
It can lead to conformity and risky behavior as teens seek acceptance from their peers.
What is the impact of positive parental relationships on adolescent development?
It promotes healthy social and emotional development, even as teens seek more independence.
How does the selection effect influence adolescent relationships?
Teens form groups with similar attitudes and interests, reinforcing existing behaviors and beliefs.
What is the effect of social isolation on adolescents?
Social isolation can be tough on adolescents, as they are social creatures and tend towards conformity.
How does abstract thinking affect moral development?
Understanding right, wrong, good, evil, justice, and equality develops with abstract thinking.
How does the faster development of the limbic system compared to the frontal lobe affect risky behavior?
Because the limbic system develops faster than the frontal lobe, adolescents may experience heightened emotions without the rational thinking to control them, leading to risky behavior.
How does culture influence identity formation?
Individualistic cultures prioritize personal identity, while collectivist cultures prioritize group harmony.
What is the effect of puberty on adolescent behavior?
Puberty is the physical kickoff to adolescence, bringing about sexual maturation.