Post on 17-Jan-2016
PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADOLESCENT
Prof. Dr. Oya Ercan
Typical age of events of puberty
M F
Start of puberty 11-12 10-11
Growth spurt 14 12
Menarche 12-13
Spermarche 13-14
Length of puberty 3-4 years
4-5 years
Development of full sexual function
NORMAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Early bloomer ♀ Cognitively immature adolescent
Late bloomer ♂ 20% stormy-tempestuous Earlier childhood adjustment Family functionality
1-Formation of a positive stable personal identity
The need to establish self-esteem To become able to control impulses rather
than being controlled by them Moral values Abstract thought Highly structured cultures Rapidly changing society 12-16 years of age→experience
2. Establishing independence from adults especially parents
Psychological or emotional(not physical separation)
A change
3. Acquiring skills for future economic independence
4.Developing relationships with others outside the family
Displacing affection for the parents onto others
5.Learning to function properly in the appropriate sexual role
PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENTS
3 Psychosocial Developmental Phases
Early adolescence:12-14 years, 10-(12)13 Middle adolescence:15-17 years, 13-
(16)17 Late adolescence:18-21 years, 17-(19)20
EARLY ADOLESCENCE(gathering information)
GROWTH:
Secondary sexual characteristics have begun to appear
Growth rapidly accelerating; reaches peak velocity
COGNITION:
Concrete thought dominant Cannot perceive long-range
implications of current decisions and acts.
Tend to have unrealistic or idealistic goals for their lives
PSYCHOSOCIAL SELF:
Preoccupation with rapid body change and question of “Am I normal?”
Frequent comparisons of body with others
FAMILY:
Defining independence - dependence boundaries
No major conflicts over parental control
Less interest in parental activities
PEER GROUP:
Seeks peer affiliation to counteract instability generated by rapid change
Compares own normality and acceptance with same sex/age mates
Usually forms solitary friendships with members of the same sex (best friend)
SEXUALITY:
Self exploration and evaluation Limited dating Limited intimacy
AGE RANGE:
Initiates between ages 11 and 13 and merges with midadolescence at 14-15 years
MIDDLE ADOLESCENCE
GROWTH:
Secondary sexual characteristics well advanced.
Growth decelerating, stature reaches 95% of adult height
COGNITION:
Rapidly gaining competence in abstract thought
Less idealistic vocational aspirations Capable of perceiving future implications
of current acts and decisions but variably applied
Reverts to concrete operations under stress
Feelings of omnipotence and immortality leading to risk taking behaviour
PSYCHOSOCIAL SELF:
More comfortable with physical change
Clothes and make-up important Preoccupation with fantasy and
idealism in exploring expanded cognition and future options
FAMILY:
Major conflicts over control Struggle for emancipation and self
responsibility Parents can be seen as flawed thus
not worthy of absolute authority Moderation threatens
independency!!
PEERS:
Influence greatest during this period Intense involvement with peer group Conformity with peer values, codes
and dress in an attempt to seperate further from family
Peer group→arena and mirror Central forum for exploration of new
life experiences(curiosity and personal power)
SEXUALITY:
Heigtened sexual activity Testing ability to attract opposite
sex and parameters of masculinity or femininity (narcissistically)
Preoccupation with romantic fantasy
LATE ADOLESCENCE
GROWTH:
Mature stature, reproductive capability complete
COGNITION:
Abstract thought firmly established (although it has been shown that not all adults have capability of abstract thought)
Future oriented, develops a sense of perspective with the abilities to delay and compromise to achieve goals
Refinement of religious, moral and sexual values
PSYCHOSOCIAL SELF:
Emancipation complated Begin to appreciate the importance
of parental values
FAMILY:
Relationship adult-adult May allow family help on partners
PEER GROUP:
Peer group recedes and are replaced by individuals friendships based on common interests
SEXUALITY:
Forms stable relationships Capable of mutuality and reciprocity
in caring for another rather than former narcisstic orientation
Plans for future in thinking of marriage and family
Intimacy involves commitment rather than exploration and romanticism
AGE RANGE:
Approximatelly 17-21 years, upper end particularly variable.
Dependent on cultural, economical and educational factors