After reading this chapter, the student should be able to address the following:

1. Define adolescence.



2. Describe the leading theories that attempt to explain adolescence.



3. Define puberty and list the normal sequence of events in puberty for males and females.



4. Define secular trend and the factors thought to influence it.



5. Distinguish between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.



6. Identify Piaget's stages of cognitive development. Focus on the formal operational stage.



7. Define Elkind's adolescent egocentrism, and describe the components of imaginary audience and personal fable.



8. Distinguish between convergent and divergent thinking.



9. Examine Erikson's psychosocial theory of adolescence and the concept of identity crisis.



10. Identify and explain Marcia's four identity statuses.



11. Discuss Hill's biopsychosocial theory of adolescence.



12. Discuss a variety of factors that have been significantly changed through social, economic, and lifestyle trends over the past two decades that have influenced adolescents in family life.



13. Summarize the effects of divorce on teenagers.



14. Summarize the relationships and functions of peer groups and how they serve the adolescent today.



15. Summarize the research on heterosexual teen behavior. Present three choices of sexual orientation.



16. Present an approach to discussing sex with adolescents that is likely to be helpful. Include the potential for pregnancy and parenthood in that discussion.



17. Summarize the findings on sexual abuse of adolescent women.



18. Offer some reasons for the high rate of teen pregnancy.



19. Describe some of the more common mental health issues for adolescents.



20. List eight warning signs for adolescent suicide.



21. Describe the long-term effects of alcohol abuse in adolescence.



22. Summarize research on criminal behavior and gangs.



23. Describe some of the societal changes that increase adolescents' vulnerability to gang membership and affiliation.