Chapter 8 - Dev.

social system morality

stage 4, in which moral reasoning is based on maintenance of order in society

social contract

stage 5, in which moral reasoning is based on the belief that laws are for the good of all members of society

universal ethics

stages 6, behaviors driven by internal moral principles

pre-conventional level

the first level in Kohlberg's theory, in which moral reasoning is based on external forces

spermarche

the first spontaneous ejaculation of sperm. Occurs at around age 13 and cannot fertilize egg.

menarche

the onset of menstruation

basal metabolic rate

the speed at which the body consumes calories

post-conventional level

the third level in Kohlburg's theory, in which moral reasoning is based on a personal moral code

What are common obstacles to healthy growth in adolescence?

Accidents involving automobiles or firearms are the most common cause of death in American teenagers. Adolescents of overestimate the harm of risky behaviors in general, but they don't see themselves as being personally at risk and often place greater value on the rewards associated with risky behavior.

What changes in problem-solving and reasoning take place in adolescence?

Adolescents often solve problems analytically, using mathematics of logic. They also acquire skill in detecting weakness in scientific evidence and in logical arguments.

• Why do some adolescents suffer from eating disorders?

Anorexia and bulimia, eating disorders that typically affect adolescent girls, are characterized by an irrational fear of being overweight. Several factors contribute to these disorders, including heredity, a childhood history of eating problems, negative self-esteem, and a preoccupation with one's body and weight. Treatment and prevention programs emphasize changing adolescents' views toward thinness and their eating-relating behaviors.

How do increases in content knowledge, strategies, and metacognitive skill influence adolescent cognition?

Content knowledge increases, even to expert like levels in some domains. Strategies and metacognitive skills become more sophisticated.

What are the elements of a healthy diet for adolescents?

For proper growth, teenagers need to consume adequate calories, calcium, and iron. Unfortunately, many teenagers do not eat properly and do not receive adequate nutrition.

How do concern for justice and caring for other people contribute to moral reasoning?

Gilligan proposed that females' moral reasoning is based on caring and responsibility for others, not justice. But other research does not support consistent sex differences in moral reasoning; instead, researchers have found that males and females both consider caring and justice in their moral judgments, depending on the situation.

primary sex characteristics

physical signs of maturity that ARE directly linked to the reproductive organs

Do adolescents get enough exercise? What are the consequences of participating in sports in high school?

Individuals who exercise regularly often have improved physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many high-school students do not get enough exercise. Millions of American boys and girls participate in sports. The benefits of participating in sports include improved physical fitness, enhanced self-esteem, and understanding about teamwork. The potential costs include injury and abuse of performance-enhancing drugs.

secondary sex characteristics

physical signs on maturity that are NOT directly linked to reproductive organs

How do adolescents reason about moral issues?

Kohlberg proposed that moral reasoning includes preconventional, conventional, and post conventional levels. Moral reasoning is first based on rewards and punishments and much later based on personal moral codes. However, not all cultures emphasize justice in moral reasoning. For instance, Hindu children emphasize caring for other people in their moral reasoning.

How do physical changes affect adolescents' psychological development?

Pubertal changes affect adolescents' psychological functioning. Teens, particularly girls, become concerned about their appearance. Adolescents are moodier than children or adults primarily because their moods shift in response to frequent changes in activities and social setting. Early maturation tends to be harmful to girls.

What factors cause the physical changes associated with puberty?

Pubertal changes take place when the pituitary gland signals the adrenal gland, ovaries, and tests to secrete hormones that initiate physical changes. The timing of puberty is influenced strongly by health, nutrition, and social environment; for example, puberty occurs earlier for girls who experience stress.

What physical changes occur in adolescence that marks the transition to a mature young adult?

Puberty-denotes two types of physical changes that mark the transition from childhood to young adulthood; bodily changes in height and weight, as well as sexual maturation. Girls begin the growth spurt earlier than boys who acquire more muscle, less fat, and greater heart and lung capacity.

interpersonal norms

Stage 3, in which moral reasoning is based on winning the approval of others

How do working memory and processing speed change in adolescence?

Working memory increases in capacity, and processing speed becomes faster. Both achieve adult like levels during adolescence.

obedience orientation

a characteristic of Kohlber's stage 1, in which moral reasoning is based on the belief that adults know what is right and wrong

conventional level

a characteristic of Kohlberg's second level, in which moral reasoning is based on society's norms

instrumental orientation

a characteristic of Kohlberg's stage 2, in which moral reasoning is based on the aim of looking out for one's needs

bulimia nervosa

a disease in which people alternate between binge eating—periods when they eat uncontrollably—and purging through use of laxatives or self-induced vomiting

anorexia nervosa

a persistent refusal to eat accompanied by an irrational fear of being overweight

body mass index (BMI)

an adjusted ratio of weight to height that is used to define overweight. 1 in 6 is overweight. upper 5% means you are overweight.