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