Adolescent Cognitive Development
Angela Oswalt Morelli , MSW, edited by C. E. Zupanick, Psy.D.image by John Schanlaub (lic)While physical development is easily measured with simple tools such as a scale or a tape measure, other developmental dimensions are more difficult to quantify. In order to identify, describe, and measure the cognitive, moral, emotional and social aspects of adolescent growth, a number of developmental theories have proven to be useful for this purpose. This article will focus its discussion on the most widely-accepted theories of child development, but the discussion is necessarily limited to the portions of these theories that are specific to adolescent development. The reader may find it helpful to review a more detailed and thorough discussion of each of these theories which can be found in the Introduction to Child Development article.
These more abstract developmental dimensions (cognitive, moral, emotional, and social dimensions) are not only more subtle and difficult to measure, but these developmental areas are also difficult to tease apart from one another due to the inter-relationships among them. For instance, our cognitive maturity will influence the way we understand a particular event or circumstance, which will in turn influence our moral judgments about it, and our emotional responses to it. Similarly, our moral code and emotional maturity influence the quality of our social relationships with others. But perhaps the most complex and inter-related area of development is sexual development which is actually a complete merger of the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral aspects of development. Therefore, adolescent development is a multi-faceted, complex, systemic process. While it is necessary to discuss these developmental areas separately, the reader is encouraged to recognize the inter-relationships among the various dimensions of development.
Perspiration, Acne and Oily Skin
Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
Resources
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Articles
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Introduction
- An Introduction to Adolescent Development
- An Overview of Adolescent Development
- Overview of Adolescent Development: Part II
- Overview of Adolescent Development: Part III
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Physical Development
- Adolescent Physical Development
- Adolescent Physical Development: Part II
- Perspiration, Acne and Oily Skin
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Cognitive Development
- Adolescent Cognitive Development
- Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
- The Maturing Adolescent Brain
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Emotional Development
- Adolescent Emotional Development
- Emotional Self-Efficacy
- The Development of Self-Identity
- Erik Erikson and Self-Identity
- James Marcia and Self-Identity
- Self-Identity and Values
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Social Development
- Adolescent Social Development
- Teens and Peer Relationships
- Teens and Family Relationships: Parents
- Teens and Family Relationships: Siblings
- Teens and Romantic Relationships and With Other Adults
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Moral Development
- Adolescent Moral Development
- Piaget's Theory of Moral Development
- Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development
- Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development - Part II
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Gender Identity & Sexual Development
- Adolescent Sexual Development
- The Development of Gender Identity
- Transgender Youth
- The Development of Sexual Orientation
- The Development of Adolescent Sexuality
- Middle to Late Adolescence (ages 15 to 22): The Age of Romance
- Teen Sexuality: Suggestions for Parents and Other Caregivers
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Conclusion & References
- Summary and Conclusion
- References
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Introduction
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Questions and Answers
- Need Help
- Can't Stand the Idea of Being Normal
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Book & Media Reviews
- The Teenage Brain
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Links
- [1] Government
- [2] Information
- [9] Videos
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Videos
- Child Development: Stepping Stones - Lesson 23: Adolescence: Psychosocial Development
- Child Development: Stepping Stones - Lesson 21: Adolescence: Biosocial Development
- Child Development: Stepping Stones - Lesson 22: Adolescence: Cognitive Development
- Child Development: Stepping Stones - Lesson 24: Adolescence: Summary
- Adolescent Risk-Takers: The Power of Peers
- NAMI Ending the Silence - A mental health awareness program for teens
- Take Healthy Habits to College
- Behavioral Health on College Campuses
- Back-to-School: A Time to Think about Health & Academics
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Child & Adolescent Development: Overview
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Child Development & Parenting: Middle (8-11)
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