Regarding physical development in adolescence

  1. Regarding physical development in adolescence, discuss the normative onset and duration of puberty in
    boys and girls. Identify the factors associated with early-onset puberty as well as the associated
    consequences. Also, describe the rates of sexual activity in adolescence as well as the risk factors
    associated with early sexual activity and adolescent pregnancy. Furthermore, discuss how specific
    structural changes in the brain affect adolescent psychology. With regard to cognitive development in
    adolescence, discuss the concept of adolescent egocentrism as well as its two key components.
  2. Define emerging adulthood and describe the key features associated with this period of development
    according to Jeffrey Arnett (2006) as well as the cultural and industrial changes he believes have helped
    establish emerging adulthood as a transitional period between adolescence and adulthood.
    Furthermore, summarize the ideas presented by Joseph and Claudia Allen (2009) to support the
    adolescent successfully transition into adulthood.
  3. Create five vignettes (short character descriptions) of individuals that have high levels or low levels of
    one of the big five factors of personality (one vignette per trait). You must be clear as to whether the
    individual scores high or low on a specific trait and give examples of social interactions, thoughts or
    behaviors that support this statement (ex. John is highly neurotic as evidenced by….) Character
    descriptions should be 3-5 sentences.
  4. Create four vignettes (short character descriptions) of individuals experiencing the crises theorized by
    Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of personality from adolescence through late adulthood (one
    vignette per crisis). Identify the life stage and the crisis associated with the life stage then describe social
    interactions, thoughts or behaviors that illustrate the individual’s psychosocial crisis (ex. John is 17 years
    old and experiencing the __ crisis. He feels…) Character descriptions should be 3-5 sentences.
  5. Carey’s doctor informs her that she has severe liver cirrhosis due to chronic alcoholism and that she has
    less than 8 months to live. According to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’ stages of dying, how might Carey respond
    to this news and how might she deal with her death as she experiences the five stages of dying. Use 2-3
    sentences to describe Carey’s progression through each stage.