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PSY 101 ![]() |
Adolescence
1. Physical Changes of Adolescence
- Puberty: the maturation of sexual functions
- Primary Sexual Characteristics = the structures necessary for reproduction
- Neurological Changes: Maturation of the nervous system, esp. the prefontal cortex, limbic system, & projection fibers
"Adult Transition" or "Emerging Adulthood" as a distinct period in Western culture (Arnett et al., 2014)
3. Identity
Eric Erikson: Identity vs. Role Confusion
James E. Marcia's 4 forms of identity:
- Achievement
- Foreclosure
- Moratorium
- Diffusion
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- Identity exploration
- Sense of instability (the flip side of exploration) in both love and work
- Focus upon the self
- Feeling "in between" adolescence and full adulthood (not still adolescent, not yet adult)
- Possibilities & Optimism
- However, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 onward has altered various aspects of mental and economic health
1. Personality Development
- How similar is our personality (does it change?) across the years of adulthood?
- Erikson's Three Stages in Adulthood
- Intimacy vs. Isolation (early to late 20s)
- Generativity vs. Self-absorption (late 20s-mid-50s)
- Integrity vs. Despair (after the mid-50s into old age)
2. Life Transitions in Adulthood
- Adjusting to Marriage
- Adjusting to Parenthood
- Adjusting to the "Empty Nest"
3. Aging
- Physical Changes
- dementia (multiple cognitive problems)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cognitive Changes
This page was originally posted on 10/10/03 and last updated on Sept. 1, 2025