Growth and Development From Childhood to Adolescence

Stages of Development Growth occurs throughout the health triangle. Physical: noticeable changes in your body occur during puberty. Mental/Emotional: hormonal activity prepares your body for adulthood. Social: friends, teams, clubs, work, and family life changes during this time.

Developmental Tasks Many aspects of Social growth are defined by developmental tasks. These are events that need to happen in order for you to continue growing toward becoming a healthy, mature adult. Each stage of growth has its own specific developmental tasks.

Erikson’s Stages of Life Infancy ( Birth to 1 year ) Characteristic: child is completely dependent on others to meet his or her needs. Developmental Task: To develop trust. Early Childhood (1 to 3 years) Characteristic: Child is learning to separate from parents. Developmental Task: Ability to do tasks oneself.

Stages cont… Middle Childhood (3 to 5 years) Char: child begins to make decisions. Think and carry out projects. D.T.: to develop initiative – create one’s own play. Late Childhood (6 to 11 years) Char: Explores surroundings and masters more skills. D.T.: develops interest in performing activities.

Stages cont… Adolescence (12 to 18 years) Characteristics: Searches for his/her own identity. Developmental Task: To develop one’s own identity – a sense of who one is. Understand the roles one plays in many areas of life.

Think Quick!! Think of some of the interests and talents that define you as a unique individual. Take 5 minutes and create a list in your notebook discussing these interests and talents.

Stages cont… The following stages of development will be discussed later in your health education. Young Adulthood (19-31 yrs) Middle Adulthood (31-60 yrs) Maturity and Old Age (61 yrs to Death)

INFANCY ( the first year of life ) The period of fastest physical growth in a human’s life occurs during this time. A child’s weight TRIPLES. A child’s height increases by 50%. When an infant’s needs are met in a loving way, he/she learns to TRUST people and feel safe.

EARLY CHILDHOOD ( 1 – 3 ) Children at this ages who are learning to walk and talk are known as Toddlers. At this stage children begin to feel proud of their achievements and eager to do things on their own. Failing now and then when trying something new is an important part of learning and growing.

MIDDLE CHILDHOOD ( 3-5 yrs) Often referred to as Preschoolers. This is a period of rapid growth during which the child becomes more coordinated in his/her movements. Playing “make believe”, imitating adults, and asking many questions shows how fast their minds are growing. Developing independence is very important during this stage.

LATE CHILDHOOD ( 6 – 11 yrs) Physical growth occurs at a more even rate. School becomes a very important part of a child’s life. Creativity is enhanced during this stage. Self-Esteem is developed during a child’s creative efforts. Encouragement is vital for positive emotional growth.

ADOLESCENCE (12 – 18 yrs) The 2nd fastest period of physical growth. Usually beginning between 8-14 yrs old. Girls typically enter adolescence earlier than boys.

ADOLESCENCE cont… Many physical, mental/emotional, and social changes take place during this time. All of these changes are interrelated, and each individual goes through them at his or her own rate.

Physical Changes Adolescence begins with puberty. Puberty: The time when you begin to develop certain physical traits of adults of your own gender. The exact age of puberty varies for each individual.

Physical Changes in Males Male hormone production increases (testosterone). Facial hair appears Voice deepens Shoulders broaden Muscles develop Sperm production begins Breasts may enlarge somewhat

Physical Changes in Females Female hormone production increases (estrogen). Breasts develop Hips widen Uterus and ovaries enlarge Ovulation occurs Menstruation begins Body fat increases

Physical Changes in both Males and Females Growth spurt occurs Acne may appear Most permanent teeth have come in Underarm hair appears Perspiration increases Pubic hair appears External genitals enlarge

Emotional and Social Changes The activity of hormones causes changes in how you feel. Happy one moment, to unhappy the next, or mood swings are common. There are important developmental tasks that you need to accomplish so that you can become successful during adulthood.

Developmental Tasks Become more independent Learn more about who you are Define your values Learn how to think, reason, and solve problems in an adult way

Developmental Tasks cont… Accept your body and its characteristics Gain a masculine or feminine view of yourself Form more mature relationships with both genders Develop an interest in and concern for your community

ANALYZE!!! How are the physical, mental/emotional, and social changes of adolescence related?