PSYC 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Synaptic Pruning, Pubic Hair, Frontal Lobe

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1000
• Professor: Harvey Marmurek

Document Summary

Moderate use = more social involvement, more academic motivation. May be pathological, method cope w/ hardships depression. Girls: 11+, boys: 13+ - wide variation. Physical growth pituitary gland hypothalamus regulates release of testosterone & estrogen. Primary sex traits: bodily changes part of reproduction. Secondary sex traits: not part of reproduction. E. g. pubic hair, larger breasts, more muscle mass: menarche: menstruation onset. 12 yo usually, depends on physiology & environment (genetics, diet: spermarche: first sperm ejaculation (14 yo, puberty happens earlier now. 33% boys start puberty age 9, 40% euro-amer girls, 80% afro-amer girls. Behavioural changes increase body fat, environmental stresses. Many developmental changes (insecurities, more desire be attractive, sexual arousal) Early developers drugs, alcohol, pregnancy: major brain changes. Frontal lobes more myelination, faster neural firing (100 fold), synaptic pruning = more efficient brain. More self-control, but still volatile emotional experiences. Emotional changes in adolescence: mood swings, high-risk behaviour raging hormones. Adolescence tumultuous in pop culture since 1900s.