Unit IX:Developmental PsychologyModule 51

Adolescence: Physical & Cognitive Development

Physical Development 51-1

Adolescence

• Psychologists once believed that our traits were set during childhood.

• Today psychologists believe that development is a lifelong process.

• Adolescence is defined as the transition between childhood and adulthood.

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Physical Development

• Adolescence begins with puberty(sexual maturation).

• Puberty occurs earlier in females (11 years) than males (13 years).

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Brain Development

• Pruning of unused neurons and connections takes place during adolescence

• Maturation of the frontal lobes continues, but lags behind the limbic system – often leading to weighing immediate benefits more heavily than long-term consequences

• Use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can slow or inhibit brain development during adolescence.

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Cognitive Development 51-2

Cognitive Development 51-2

• During the early teen years, reasoning is often self-focused

• They may also worry about what others think of them

• Gradually most begin to reason more abstractly

Developing Morality 51-2