Free Essay

Describe Two (2) Developmental Changes That Occur in Adolescence.

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By kirstennashleyy
Words 478
Pages 2
Describe two (2) developmental changes that occur in adolescence.

When approaching the description of two developmental changes that occur in adolescence, it is essential to initially comprehend the definition of adolescence. Adolescence is defined as “the transitional period between puberty and adulthood in human development.” Two different developments occurring during this period are cognitive and emotional developments, both of which can be associated with developmental psychological theories.
Cognitive development is one type of development occurring during adolescence, related to the way in which an adolescent thinks. Post-conventional moral reasoning, according to Lawrence Kohlberg, is associated with the cognitive development in adolescence. During this stage, societal rules and conventions move from an authoritative point of view to being seen with relativity and subjectivity. Post-conventional moral reasoning is integral to the development of an adolescent as it marks the realisation of independence in society, the precedence of an individual’s own thought, and the strengthening of one’s own principles of morality and reasoning. This means that a growing sense of independence and subjectivity is established within the adolescent, integral to adulthood later on in life.
Emotional development is another type of development taking place throughout adolescence. Sigmund Freud established five (5) stages of emotional development known as the physosexual stages of development. The stage of this development, relevant to adolescence is Freud’s fifth stage, known as the genital stage. During this stage, adolescents focus their sexual urges to people of the other gender, with a substantial focus on the pleasure of the genitals. This stage is essential to emotional ad social development, as it concentrates on emotional relationships and connections between people, developing into adulthood connections and associations later in life.
In conclusion, these two stages of development, both cognitive and emotional development, during adolescence are integral to the development of the adolescent as it allows for development into later adulthood.

References: * Adolescence | Define Adolescence at Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Dictionary.com - Free Online English Dictionary. Retrieved April 2, 2013, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adolescence * Kohlberg, L. (1963). The Development of Children’s Orientations Toward a Moral Order. Vita Humana, 6(1-2), 11-33. * Kohlberg, L. (1984). The psychology of moral development: the nature and validity of moral stages. San Francisco [u.a.]: Harper & Row. * Mannheim, J. K. (n.d.). Adolescent development. University of Maryland Medical Center | Home. Retrieved April 11, 2013, from http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002003.htm * Simon, W., & Gagnon, J. (1969). Psychosexual Development. Handbook of socialization theory and research, 6(5), 9-17. Retrieved April 2, 2013, from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02806366?LI=true * Sullivan, C. T. (1963). Freud and Fairbairn two theories of ego-psychology. Doylestown, Pa.: Doylestown Foundation.

--------------------------------------------
[ 1 ]. Adolescence | Define Adolescence at Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Dictionary.com - Free Online English Dictionary. Retrieved April 2, 2013, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adolescence

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Nothing

...Describe two (2) developmental changes that occur in “adolescence” Adolescence is generally viewed as a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, where the adolescent has to face developmental changes, such as biological, psychological, cognitive, emotional, social, moral and spiritual changes. Physical Changes During adolescence, boys and girls experience physical changes: • For both sexes height and weight increase, underarm and pubic hair begins to grow, leg and arm hair becomes thicker and more apparent, perspiration increases, and levels of oil in the skin become high. • In girls, breasts become larger, nipples stand out more clearly, and the genitals grow and get a little darker and fleshier. On the inside, the uterus and ovaries also grow. At some point during the process, menarche (a girl’s first menstrual period) begins. • In boys, the testicles and penis become larger. At some point, the boy gains the capacity to ejaculate sperm. He also begins to have spontaneous erections. Most boys also experience nocturnal emissions which are spontaneous ejaculations of semen that occur during sleep. Cognitive Changes During adolescence (between 12 and 18 years of age), the developing teenager acquires the ability to think systematically about all logical relationships within a problem. The transition from concrete thinking to formal logical operations occurs over time. Each adolescent progresses at varying rates in developing his/her ability...

Words: 362 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Heeeeeeee

...------------------------------------------------- Course Syllabus AAGI0MZ6M0 Child Development Course Start Date: 12/04/2012 Course End Date: 02/24/2013                   Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document. Copyright Copyright ©2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. University of Phoenix© is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft©, Windows©, and Windows NT© are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix© editorial standards and practices. Facilitator Information                                                                                                       Stephanie Jacobs Holder swjacobs@email.phoenix.edu (University of Phoenix) Bailiquinc@aol.com (Personal) 602-738-2059 (MST) Facilitator Availability I am available from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Central Time on most days, but I attempt to reserve Sunday for my family. During the week, I am online most of the time during that 9 a.m.-9 p.m. time frame. On Saturdays, I tend to be...

Words: 3022 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Miss

...Describe two (2) developmental changes that occur in adolescence Adolescence is the transitional stage between childhood and adulthood where an individual undergoes a process of changes towards finding ones self. Forging a sense of identity and self-esteem are two key cognitive development changes that occur during adolescence. Self-esteem is the overall pride in ones self. DuBios refers to (Rosenberg, 1965, p. 5) who defined self-esteem as “the evaluation which an individual makes customarily maintains with regard to himself (or herself); it expresses an attitude of approval or disproval” (DuBois, 2003). As a person matures from a child to an adolescent they become more self aware and realistic about their strengths and weaknesses. (DuBois, 2003) positions that the self-esteem of youth is equally impacted by their feeling of satisfaction with themselves in specific areas such as school, peer relation and/or physical appearance rather than just a feeling of dislike. Self-esteem plays a role in the development of forging a sense of identity for an adolescent. Identity is the structure of who you are as a person. Eric Erikson developed a theory based on a person’s psychological and social development. He believed the stage of adolescent experienced the conflict of self-identity versus role confusion. Gill (2012). A dominant feature of adolescence is the identity crisis where they face the question of who am I. (Marcia, 1993) Physical development, cognitive skills and social...

Words: 265 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Child Psychology

...Child Psychology Developmental Transitions Developmental Transitions In the study of child development, adolescence refers to the second decade of the life span, roughly from ages 10 to 20. The word adolescence is Latin in origin, derived from the verb adolescere, which means "to grow into adulthood." In all societies, adolescence is a time of growing up, of moving from the immaturity of childhood into the maturity of adulthood. There is no single event or boundary line that denotes the end of childhood or the beginning of adolescence. Rather, experts think of the passage from childhood into and through adolescence as composed of a set of transitions that unfold gradually and that touch upon many aspects of the individual's behavior, development, and relationships. These transitions are biological, cognitive, social, and emotional (Laurence Steinberg, 2016). While there is much research to be done as to what creates the best environment for young adolescents, understanding their transition from childhood to adulthood may help adults know how to better support them. Children will find their bodies and minds beginning to change. For the young adolescent, these changes either come about too swiftly or too slowly, causing them to become painfully self-conscious about their appearance. Developmental transitions are an important juncture in people’s lives. For adolescents, two important transitions are from childhood to adolescence and from adolescence to adulthood. Let’s explore...

Words: 2045 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Different Schools of Psychology to the Advancement of the Field of Psychology

...Different schools of Psychology to the advancement of the field of Psychology Psychology began or has its roots in philosophy, the mother of all sciences. Aristotle in his works speaks rather remotely on different aspects of psychology. Among some of Aristotle’s major and famous works namely metaphysics, De Anime; he speaks of the soul which in profound consideration could come to the conclusion that it sounds synonymous with our modern understanding of ‘mind’. Thus psychology was a part of philosophy from the very beginning through it stands independently now. Further long before Aristotle existed; philosophers like Thales, Pythagoras, Heraclites and Parmenides spoke on the same subject even though it was not that much elaborated. Here we cannot forget the contribution made by Plato. He very clearly explains in his dialogues further on this matter. Psychology originated very simply as a result of the development of the metaphysical approach of the people of different times. In sociology it is an acceptable fact that the prevailing circumstances and state of a particular social milieu make a great impact on a particular matter. This impact varies from place to place time to time depending on the social characteristics. By inferences the aforementioned is the reason why there are different schools in psychology. When we analyses it stands to reason that all psychologists were trying to deal with the same matter. They have seen the same problems or the issues with regard to ‘mind’...

Words: 4796 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

Piaget's Cognitive Development

...INTRODUCTION Adolescents in their developmental period undergo tumultuous physical, cognitive and psychosocial milestones, which are subsequently influenced by their environmental interactions with particular focus on the home and school environment, and the conceivable atypical condition of anxiety. The developmental period of adolescence finds children undergoing pivotal biological, social and cognitive changes that transform their bodies and minds from childhood to adulthood (Sigelman and Rider, 2012). This period is characterised by adolescents endeavouring to become independent, self-aware and apart of the adult world. As a result adolescents find themselves engaging in various social relationships, and their role in society dramatically...

Words: 2753 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Btec Level 3 Health and Social Care

...variety of factors and major life events on the development of individuals, and to consider the nature-nurture debate. The unit also allows you to gain an insight into the ageing process and to understand both positive and negative perspectives on ageing. Learning Outcomes On completion of this unit you should: 1. Understand human growth and development through the life stages 2. Understand how life factors and events may influence the development of the individual 3. Understand physical changes and psychological perspectives in relation to ageing HOW THIS UNIT WILL BE ASSESSED To reach Pass level, the evidence must show that the learner is able to: P1 describe physical, intellectual, emotional and social development through the life stages P2 describe the potential influence of five (5) life factors on the development of individuals P3 describe the influence of two predictable and two unpredictable major Life events on the development of the individual P4 describe two (2) theories of ageing P5 describe physical and psychological changes caused by the ageing process To reach Merit level, the evidence must show that, in addition to the...

Words: 1395 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Gold One

...monumental task of studying humans over the course of the life span. Our discussion includes the goals of the scientific community, the recognized framework for studying the life span, what aspects of development warrant extensive examination, and what scientific methods are used to conduct research with humans. Chapter 2 discusses the main developmental theories over the past 100 years, when social scientists, biologists, and chemists focused on studying discrete aspects of human development. Earlier introspective methods about subconscious experience and contemporary measurable evidence about microscopic genetic codes, neurons, and hormones all contribute to our understanding of the human condition. Contemporary researchers are focusing on how to integrate scientific findings and theory from across cultures into a more meaningful whole about human development. CHAPTER 1 Introduction Critical Thinking Questions 1. Developmental change takes place in three fundamental domains: physical, cognitive, and emotional-social. Which domain has been most important for your becoming who you are? Will any one of the domains become more important as you get older? 2. Make a list of three aspects of yourself that have changed over the last 10 years and three that have remained constant. How do you feel about both the “dynamic” and the “static” aspects of yourself? 3. If someone had researched your personal development over time, where would they have noticed the...

Words: 20056 - Pages: 81

Free Essay

Essay

...OUTLINE I. EXPLORING HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Developmental psychology is concerned with the course and causes of developmental changes over a person’s entire lifetime. What does “genetic influence” mean? A. Historical Perspective 1. British empiricist philosopher John Locke in the 1690s argued that childhood experiences (nurture) permanently affect people. Empiricists saw the newborn as a blank slate or tabula rasa on which experience writes. 2. French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the 1760s argued the opposite, that nature alone gives children all they need to grow and learn, without adult guidance. 3. American psychologist Arnold Gesell in the early 1900s said that motor skills develop in a fixed sequence of stages in all children due to maturation, natural growth or change, which unfolds in a fixed sequence relatively independent of the environment. The term development encompasses not only maturation but also the behavioral and mental processes that are influenced by learning. 4. Behaviorist John B. Watson in the 1910s claimed that all development is due to learning. 5. Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget saw nature and nurture as inseparable and interactive in cognitive development. B. Understanding Genetic Influence 1. Behavioral genetics is the study of how genes affect behavior. This research demonstrated that nature and nurture jointly contribute to development in two ways. a) Nature and nurture...

Words: 6271 - Pages: 26

Premium Essay

Lifespan and Personality Development

...and Personality Development Adolescence There are many factors that affect the physical, cognitive, social, moral and personality development in an adolescent. Adolescence as defined in the dictionary, is the transitional period between puberty and adulthood in human development extending mainly over the teen years (RHCD, 1980). Adolescence is the time that can bring various changes physical, social and emotional. Adolescence begins with the onset of puberty. This usually occurs during the ages of twelve to twenty years old. Puberty is the period during which the reproductive system matures. This process is characterized by the increase in sex hormones (RHCD, 1980). Heredity and the environment both plays a significant role in the development of various human traits. Genes are determinants of heredity, and each individual carries genes from the mother and father. Characteristics such as height, weight, skin color, eye and hair color are all determined through the balance of genes in the body. Genes are responsible for cognitive and mental processes as well as physical features (ehow.com). Adolescents undergo a wide range of physical changes in a very short time, which is a result of biological and hereditary factors, but environmental influences are also significant. There are rapid height and weight gains, which generally takes place earlier in girls, more body fat is generated in girls where muscles are developed in boys. Changes in hormone levels trigger the development...

Words: 1716 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Growth and Development

...every organ of the body and area of development. Although the development process is continuous, the rate or speed of development varies at different ages of the child. For example, children grow most rapidly during the first three years of life. In their middle childhood, i.e., from 6 - 12 years, their rate of growth is comparatively slow whereas it is accelerated again when they approach adolescence. A knowledge of the trends and patterns of growth and development will enable you to know how children grow and develop; when and what to expect from them, how to guide them in each stage and provide the environment for their optimum development. Let us first understand the meaning of these two important terminologies. ‘Growth’ and ‘Development’ are often used as synonymous terms. But, in fact, growth is different from development. Growth means an increase in size, height, weight, length etc. which can be measured. Development, on the other hand, implies change in shape, form or structure resulting in improved working or in functioning. Improved functioning implies certain qualitative changes...

Words: 1966 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Middle Childhood and Adolescence

...Middle Childhood and Adolescence Kierra Williams PSY/280 October 30, 2012 Mara Husband Middle Childhood and Adolescence Middle childhood is the period of life that occurs between the ages 7 and 11. During these times of children lives they are in school and are making many different friends, and their cognitive and physical skills are enhancing. On the other hand, middle childhood period normally introduce individuals into new sets of challenges; not only for the child but for the parents as well. After middle childhood comes the adolescence stage, this period of life children face drastic changes. This stage can range from as early as 8 years old to 18. This essay will describe changes that occur during middle childhood and adolescence concerning family and peer relationships, and how they might influence future development. Established and caring families are central components throughout middle childhood and adolescence developmental stage. The way a family works and cares for its member is called family function. The most vital family function is to provide a place of protection for each family member. Individuals of different age ranges have particular needs from their relatives. Berger’s (2010) study found the following: Children thrive if families function for them in five ways: 1. Provide basic necessities. Children aged 6 to 11 can eat, dress, wash, and sleep without help, but someone must provide food, clothing, and shelter. 2. Encourage learning. School-age...

Words: 1042 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Socialization over the Life Course

...Table of content What is socialization? 1-2 Statement of problem 3 Review literature 3 Socialization over the course of life 4 Childhood 4-5 Adolescence 6-7 Adulthood 8-9 Old age 10-11 Death and dying 12 Conclusion 13 Bibliography 14 What is socialization? Socialization is the lifelong social experience by which people develop their human potential and learn culture. It is also the process by which individual acquired social skills, language, behaviors to socialize with each and everyone in the world. In this entire situation, we will be gaining social experience from others. Social experience is also the foundation of personality, a person’s fairly consistent patterns of acting, thinking, and feeling. It is weird to say that we start socializing from children. We started learning things from others when young and most people continue their social learning throughout their life unless they are mentally and physically disabled. These might affect their social process when they begin to develop their skills. Socialization is also a matter of nurture rather than nature. Through socialization, individual also can understand other people and us as well. In contrast, socialization is a complex, lifelong process. There are six well known researchers that have made lasting contributions to the understanding of human development: Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, Carol Gilligan, George Herbert Mead, and Erik H. Erikson. There have...

Words: 3489 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Development of the Social Brain During Adolescence

...Development of the social brain during adolescence Sarah-Jayne Blakemore Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK Adolescence is usually defined as the period of psychological and social transition between childhood and adulthood. The beginning of adolescence, around the onset of puberty, is characterized by large hormonal and physical changes. The transition from childhood to adulthood is also characterized by psychological changes in terms of identity, self-consciousness, and cognitive flexibility. In the past decade, it has been demonstrated that various regions of the human brain undergo development during adolescence and beyond. Some of the brain regions that undergo particularly protracted development are involved in social cognitive function in adults. In the first section of this paper, I briefly describe evidence for a circumscribed network of brain regions involved in understanding other people. Next, I describe evidence that some of these brain regions undergo structural development during adolescence. Finally, I discuss recent studies that have investigated social cognitive development during adolescence. The first time Uta Frith made an impression on me was when I was 15. That year I was given a copy of her book Autism: Explaining the Enigma (U. Frith, 1989), which had recently been published. I knew nothing about autism and found Uta’s book captivating. It inspired me to write to its author and ask if I could...

Words: 6434 - Pages: 26

Free Essay

How Do the Theories of Emotion, Motivation and Development Explain the Events and Public Response to the James Bulger Case of 1993?

...the type of environmental conditions that motivate them into acting in specific ways, and how these factors are interrelated. Some of the theories base their explanations on the social and emotional circumstances in the early years of an individual. This Essay aims to analyse the theories of emotion, motivation, and development and apply them to the events and public response to the James Bulger case of 1993. “ ‘I can never forgive Thompson and Venables for the horrendous, calculated, cold blooded murder of James.’ Said Denise Fergus the mother of the boy.” (Day. 2008). In an act that shocked the world, two ten year old boys, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson kidnapped and murdered James Bulger aged just two. The murder of James Patrick Bulger took place in Kirkby, Merseyside, England, on the 12 of February 1993. Bulger was a victim of abduction, torture and murder by two 10-year-old boys, named Robert Thompson (born 23rd August 1982) and the other one named Jon Venables (born 13th August 1982). It started with Bulger's disappearance on the 12 of February 1993 from the New Strand Shopping Centre, Bootle while he was accompanying his mother. Investigators subsequently found his mutilated body on a railway line in nearby Walton on the 14th February. Thompson and Venables received charges on the 20th February 1993 with the abduction and murder of Bulger. They were found guilty of the murder on 24th November 1993, making them the youngest convicted...

Words: 2960 - Pages: 12