Human Growth & Development

Growth: generally refers to changes in size

Development: occurs through maturation of physical & mental capacities & learning

Life Stages

Healthcare workers need to be familiar with each developmental stage in order to recognize maladaptive behavior and provide quality healthcare.

Infancy Birth to 1 year

language of newborn is the cry usually eats every 2 to 3 hours uncoordinated movements (learn to roll, sit, crawl and walk) poor vision (focusing range 8 to 12 inches) usually doubles weight by 9 months responds to human voice & touch

Early Childhood 1 to 6 years

vocabulary and pronunciation continue to expand great imitators (want to be just like parents) imagination is vivid; line between what is real & imaginary is often indistinct develops fears (common fears: fear of dark, fear of animals, & fear of death) Safety is a common concern at this age (crossing the street, locking up medicine) Moral values (learn between right and wrong)

Late Childhood 6-12 years

both large & small muscles well-developed developed complex motor skills from independent activities to same sex group activities acceptance by peers very important parental approval still important

Adolescence 12-20 years traumatic life stage for child & parent puberty occurs extremely concerned with appearance trying to establish self-identity confrontations with authority

Con’t. Adolescence -Use peer group as a safety net Mental development primarily involves an increase in knowledge and a sharpening of skills Learn to make decisions and accept responsibility for their actions

Young (Early) Adulthood 20-40 years

physical development complete emotional maturation continues to develop usually learned to accept responsibility for actions & accept criticism usually knows how to profit from errors socially progress from age-related peer groups to people with similar interests

Middle Adulthood 40-65 years

physical changes begin to occur: hair begins to thin & gray wrinkles appear hearing & vision decrease muscles lose tone main concerns: children, health, job security, aging parents, & fear of aging love & acceptance still take a major role

Late Adulthood 65 years & up

fastest growing age bracket of society physical deterioration (brittle bones, poor coordination) some memory problems coping with retirement & forms of entertainment very concerned with health & finances significant number become depressed; suicide rate is high

Death and Dying Death is often referred to as “the final stage of growth” It is experienced by everyone and cannot be avoided.

EMOTIONAL TRANSITIONS AT LIFE’S END Although there are many theories about the emotional transitions encountered by dying people, the best known is. . . . .

ELISABETH KUBLER-ROSS Landmark work entitled On Death and Dying Identified five emotional stages experienced by dying individuals

FIVE EMOTIONAL STAGES Denial - or “no not me” Anger - or “why me?” Bargaining - or “Yes, but. . .” Depression - or “It’s me!” Acceptance - or “It’s part of life. I have to get my life in order.”

DEATH CAN INVOLVE FEARS THAT ARE PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL PHYSICAL - Helplessness, dependence, loss of physical faculties, mutilation, pain SOCIAL - Separation from family, leaving behind unfinished business EMOTIONAL - Being unprepared for death and what happens after death

INTERVENTIONS FOR FEARS Hospice Healthcare Worker Talk as needed Avoid superficial answers, i.e. “It’s God’s will Provide religious support as appropriate Stay with the patient as needed Work with families to strengthen and support