The developmental stages of adolescence and adulthood

The developmental stages of adolescence and adulthood As a growth stage, adolescence is characterized by exponential and dramatic physical milestones which enable an individual develop from childhood to adulthood. It is during this stage that secondary sexual characteristics emerge due to a surge in production of testosterone in boys as well as estrogen in case of girls (Slee, 2002). These hormones continue being produced until total maturation is achieved. Onset of adolescence and puberty begins early in girls than in boys though individual differences exist due to hereditary and environmental factors like diet or exercise. Rapid increase in weight and height is achieved from as early as 9 years and peaks at around 14 years. Girls develop breast buds during early adolescence with full breast development being achieved at around 12 to 18 years. Hair growth in the pubic area and the armpits begins while the onset of menstrual periods (menarche) begins after two years of breast development. Girls assume a curvier body caused by development of more prominent hips. In males, hair development begins at the onset of adolescence with hair growth being exhibited on the face, pubic area, chest, armpits and on the legs (Slee, 2002). Rapid increase in height and weight is also witnessed in adolescent boys. Appearance of nocturnal emissions also known as wet dreams at the ages of 13 and 17 years primarily marks the adolescence period in boys. The boys notice a considerable enlargement of their sexual organs (i.e. testicles and scrotum). The lengthening of the penis closely follows this development. Deepening of the voice occurs almost along the same time as penile growth. A larger Adams apple then develops. Q2: Adolescences and cognitive development: Key Milestones Adolescence is marked with the development of formal logical operations which are more complex. This is unlike the concrete operations witnessed in childhood. During late childhood, the kind of concrete development achieved, enables the children to think in concrete ways since the actions and events performed during this stage can be evidenced or presented (Berger, 2004). A significant change is achieved during adolescence as the person is now able to undertake abstract thinking whereby he/she thinks about possibilities. The adolescence is also able to think about the occurrence of thinking (i.e. why does a person think?). The ability to derive reasoning from already known principles and ideas characterizes this stage. Considerable amount of time is used to make the transition from concrete thinking to logical operations in a teenager. During adolescence, an individual is able to think systematically and derive logical solutions to a problem. Every developing teenager progresses at a personal pace thereby developing personal view of the world. Here logical application of information especially when undertaking schoolwork is effected. Adolescents are largely emotional, thus when an emotional turmoil occurs, the teenager is unable to think in a complex manner. Before making decisions regarding a particular issue, the adolescent largely question authority as well as pre-existing societal standards. Adolescents form and verbalize their thoughts and forge their taste and preferences on such activities as the sports to play or the personal appearances to adopt. In middle adolescence, the persons cognitive development is geared towards philosophical and futuristic concerns (Berger, 2004). Instances of extensive thinking and questioning are exhibited with the individual establishing their own identity. Individuals begin to systematically think about their future goals and make plans to make the realization of the goals possible. During late adolescence, the individuals complex thinking is geared towards more global issues like pol itical views, history or justice. Thoughts of the role they will play as adults as well as career choices are exhibited during this period. Q3: Physical development: Key Milestones in Early, Middle and late adulthood Adulthood is not marked with physical and exceptional growth spurts. During early adulthood, the individual is transiting into adulthood from adolescence and continued physical growth is exhibited especially in shoulder width and chest width being exhibited. Early adulthood is a mark of adult life as body degradation has not started to occur (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). The body experiences hormonal changes which may result to increased body build. Middle adulthood is characterized by slow physical changes. A considerable loss of sensory sharpness is exhibited. For instance, there are some level of hearing and sight impairment. Sensitivity to light as well as far sightedness begins to emerge a condition which can be corrected by wearing glasses. Gaining of weight in the abdominal region occurs in men while womens hips and thighs increase considerably. During late adulthood, noticeable impairment is seen. The bone mass dwindles while fertility levels decline. Graying of hair as well as sk in wrinkling is also evidenced. During late 40s and early 50s, women experience menopause whereby the ability to give birth again ends. Hormonal levels also drop considerable. Due to thinning of cartilage bones located at the spinal vertebrae, the posture may change (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). It is estimated that womens height shrinks by about 5cm while that of men by 2cm. Illnesses like heart diseases result due to build up of cholesterol level on the blood capillaries, The brain shrinks due to the diminishing blood supply. Q4: Cognitive development: Key Milestones in Early, middle and late adulthood Cognitive development continues even during adulthood despite the continued brain aging. During early adulthood, alert old people continue to think and act rationally with a lot of alertness. While acting in situations requiring memory and learning prowess, their output is better than that of younger people. This is largely because of experience acquired while accumulating and organizing information (Howe Brainerd, 2009). During middle adulthood, cognitive abilities continue to improve. More adaptive and concrete thought line is exhibited within the adult, making possible several rational decisions procedures regarding personal relationships, emotions as well as social issues. Late adulthood which occurs at about 65 years is marked with considerable decline in intellectual abilities. The ability to execute unfamiliar tasks or finding a solution to a complex problem becomes troublesome to the aging adult. Slowed response to situations and information is exhibited during this period. This is because of considerable reduction in mental as well as physical activity. Emotional crises like depression and stress also play a major role in cognitive decline in late adulthood (Howe Brainerd, 2009). Brain weight reduces thus casing considerable loss in speed and memory losses. This ultimately increases the reasoning and understanding levels of older people causing them to exhibit wisdom. Q5: Adolescence and Socioemotional development: Key Milestones Brain segment which controls emotions is developed and matured during adolescence. Adolescents exhibit spontaneous emotional outbursts especially when dealing with peers as well as parents. This possesses a challenge especially to parents and teachers who may be overwhelmed on the manner in which to respond to such outbursts. A gradual process is undertaken in enabling the adolescents to learn how to replace the improper thoughts as well as actions with behaviors which are goal oriented (Pulkkinen, et al 2006). A major conflict which exists in adolescents development is the eminent desire to obtain more freedom than that allowed by parents and/ or guardians. According to Socioemotional development theory by Erikson, this phase is marked by the improvement on a sense of identity when in a relationship. Adolescents also desire to have independent thoughts regarding their desires especially when focusing of their abilities and goals. Peer relationships are emphasized by the adolescents since they are primarily looking for freedom from parental authoritativeness. Such behaviors as drug and substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors are developed during this period. Adolescent association with deviant peers is common hence the reason why parents need maintain open communication with their adolescent children so as to know when their children risk being involved with such peers (Pulkkinen, et al 2006). Bibliotherapy especially in social groups where literature is used to arm the adolescents with information regarding the changes occurring in their bodies, is vital in helping the adolescent cope with emotional turmoil. Q6: Socioemotional development: Key Milestones in Early, middle and late adulthood Massive Socioemotional changes milestones are exhibited during adulthood characterized by forging newer social relationships as well as positions. Depending on personal experiences, the Socioemotional sentiment differs from one person to the other. Such emotional activities as marrying, death, getting or losing a job, going to school or being abandoned by a spouse contribute to social development of individuals. During early adulthood, individuals decide on the career path to follow and they devote considerable a lot of their time in following their career path. Issues of love feature prominently during this period making many people want to establish their families. The thought of being parents is made evident during this period thus changes in personal and social orientation emerges (Berk, 2004). Middle adulthood is characterized by a midlife crises phase. This period is characterized by individuals trying to modify or even reappraising their lives as well as the relationships alre ady formed. The level of satisfaction and contentment upheld during this period is highly dependent on the type of accomplishments achieved. For instance the kind of job, finances, family and sex life upheld determine whether the individual will be happy or not. During the late adulthood phase, the emotional maturity is evident in many adults. Active participation in political and social scenes is common. Majority of the people who were in formal employment retire during this period. Life satisfaction and esteem is high during this period owing the achievements acquired. People adopt an inward looking and conforming lifestyle and enjoy interactions with other family members. Relationships become increasingly satisfying and fulfilling than any other period (Berk, 2004). According to Erikson, the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage is characterized by an increased interest in an individual to guide the development of the next generation. Through genuine care and productive social involvement individuals desires to produce something of real value which will positively impact on the society thereby achieving Generativity. On the contrary, individuals who are self-centered and do not engage in activities beneficial to society suffer from stagnation contributed by their lack of productivity.

Geoffrey Chaucers The Canterbury Tales :: essays research papers

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, which was published in March 1981 by Bantam Books in New York, New York is a funny piece of work about twenty- nine characters and their stories while on their way to Canterbury. The twenty-nine characters have to tell two stories on their trip to Canterbury. In the Wife of Bath tale, the wife of bath tells of a tale of a young knight, the central character in the story. After he raped a woman, he must roam the countryside in search to the answer to the question â€Å"what is it that women most desire?† This is the plot, for he must find the answer in order to live. The knight only has one year to get to answer this question and then he has to return to King Arthur’s court and await his sentence. The setting is in King Arthur’s court when a young man saw a pretty maiden and raped her. The King was going to sentence him to death but the Queen decided to give him one year to answer the question . The story is told from the Wife of Bath’s point of view for she is narrating the story. So the conflict, being that he has to find the answer, is established. The knight’s journey does not go well. Finally on the last day that he has, he comes up to a group of women, as he approaches they disappear and an old woman appears. This part is the climax of the plot because it is when the knight finally knows the answer. The old woman says that she knows the answer but she will only tell it to the Queen and in return she must do anything that she asks of him. The knight agrees. Finally, while in the presence of the Queen, she tells her that the answer to what all women desire is sovereignty over their husbands. No one disagrees with her answer and so the old woman asks that she be married to the knight. The knight having sworn to do whatever she pleased reluctantly agrees. But this is not the resolution. It happens later on while on their wedding night. The knight is somewhat disgusted and so the old woman goes on to lecture him on the trivial nature of appearances. She tells the knight whether he would prefer to have a woman ugly by day, yet loyal and faithful the rest of the time or to be beautiful and take his chances the rest of the time.

A Comparison of Slim, Curly and Crooks Essay

Slim Slim is the â€Å"prince of the ranch† (pg. 33) and a man held in the utmost view of respect. When we are first introduced to this character, he is described as a man whose â€Å"authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love†¦ His face was ageless†¦ His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought.† (pg. 33) Past his optimal physical attributes, tall and built, Slim is the most caring man of the bunkhouse. He welcomes George and Lennie into the group without hesitation and even gives Lennie a pup. Along with his compassion, he has an air of dignity and understanding, as displayed during George’s recounting of the incident in Weed. His indiscrimination of Lennie as well as Crooks shows he is a fair man who does what is right, not what is best for him. Slim is one of few men who would risk his own well-being in order to save another, as he did when Lennie was under attack by Curly. In all aspects, Slim represents the connection between the proletariat and the aristocracy of America. He is somewhat of a middleman, for he could fit into either category and does not discriminate based upon status. Curly Curly, the boss’s son, is undoubtedly harboring many feeling of insignificance. His small stature and status among the guys in the ranch obviously make him feel inferior, as they would anyone. The constant worry of his wife’s fidelity as well as his insecurities about himself and his appearance haunt him throughout each day, causing him to lash out and therefore be labeled as a â€Å"punk† by the other guys in the bunkhouse. He has an advantage based upon his size though, for it makes him more able to pick  fights with bigger men than he, like Lennie. He harbors a jealousy towards Slim that is unrelenting, for he desires the kind of respect that Slim possesses. It is through these actions that Curly represents acceptance and the quest to achieve something in life. Everyone, be it George and Lennie’s dream for land of their own, or Curly’s desire to be held in respect, has a need for something that they view as something that would make their lives that much better. Crooks Crooks, the stable buck, is the outsider of the group. He lives in a separate room than the rest of the men and pretty much stays out of sight and out of mind. In addition to this social seclusion, his physical attributes add to the fact that he is not like the other ranchers. Crooks has resentment for the other men whom he associates with over a game of horseshoes, and is very cynical about the world around him. He frightens Lennie with his assumptions of abandonment, and nearly deflates George, Lennie, and Candy’s aspiration of owning the land they dream about. Because of his negativity, he represents the doubt that lies within anyone with a dream. Every thought that crosses Crook’s mind is something negative; he is calloused to the feeling of hope, having abandoned it a long time ago. There is definitely a sliver of this attribute hidden inside George at times when he doubt the validity of this fairy tale in which he lives; always dreaming of something more. Yet it i s this kind of attitude that holds people back and prevents them from pursuing their most important of dreams.

Paulo Freire Essay

The chapter provides detailed overview of life and activities of Paulo Freire. The chapter is of historical and cultural significance, because it aims at expanding existing knowledge about one of the key figures in history. It goes without saying that Paulo Freire is considered one of the most respected and known persons in the history of radical education. The chapter starts from biography of famous educator and proceeds to his activities, occupations and career in related sphere. Firstly, it is necessary to admit that Paulo Freire was born in Brazil, Rectife, in 1921 and he spent many years working in poor regions of his homeland. Therefore, he was aware of poverty and difficulties connected with it. Actually, he couldn’t remain indifferent to people’s suffering and decided to develop methods how to teach illiterate people. It is a common knowledge that many poor people in those times didn’t known how to read and to write. Freire decided to devote his life to improve literacy among poor population. He taught not only children, but also adults how to think critically and, what was more important, how â€Å"to take power over their lives†. Moreover, he created his own classroom to make the process of teaching more comfortable, easier and more interesting. Students and teachers in that class were provided with equal rights and power. They were treated with dignity and respect. Such method of teaching was later considered a model for educating around the world. The net moment to mention is that Paulo Freire taught people in Europe, the United States of America. He worked even for the government in Chile. There, as it is mentioned, he â€Å"trained the teachers whose job it would be to bring modern agricultural methods to the peasants†. Of course, Freire’s mission is honorable and should be respected. He worked out education programs for UNESCO, World Council of Churches, the Chilean Institute of Agrarian Reform, etc. Further, his famous works are â€Å"Education for Critical Consciousness†, â€Å"The Politics of Education†, â€Å"The Pedagogy of the Oppressed†, etc.

Heroes essays

Heroes essays If a hero is properly defined as somebody who does something dangerous to help somebody else, then the heroes of Greek mythology do not qualify. They were a pretty selfish and arrogant bunch, in other words, not exactly role models for the younger generation of today. The funny thing about Greek myths, is that most of the great heroes had a such a strong preference for working alone that they were virtually unable to engage in regular social interaction with their peers. In fact, heroes can never have peers, since they believe that they are unique and live their lives in this manner. To us they may seem uncooperative, egotistical, and fatally flawed by arrogant pride, but we should remember that our world on the other hand produces many persons flawed by having no sense of their own value or personal identity. My idea of a hero is someone who genuinely cares for the well being and prosperity of others without searching for fame or redemption. However, it seems that in the Golden Age, the heros sole motivation was fame and displacement from their peers. The people I call heroes today are the common people who dare to enrich the lives of total strangers for the sake of humanity. The way the people of Greece lived is evident in the selection of their heroes. Mostly all Greek heroes were great warriors, strong willed and relentless in their pursuit for fortune. This was inspiring to a people who had very little power and very little distance from their peers. Today we recognize a hero as someone who inspires us to come together and rise as a whole. Someone who commits a courageous action without considering the consequences. Now my example of a hero/heroine would be Mother Teresa. Her life was spent helping the sick, the homeless, the orphaned and the poor in India. Among her many w orks was the establishment of foundations. One foundation was the Home for the Dying in Calcutta. Another was called Shant...

Market Segment Targeted of Avons Essay Example

Market Segment Targeted of Avons Essay Example Market Segment Targeted of Avons Essay Market Segment Targeted of Avons Essay Please be sure to check with your child to make sure that they have not been assigned any homework for the evening, because there has been a problem receiving homework assignments that are not turned in completed or not at all. Thank you for your help, and if you have any questions or concerns email me at and I will reply to you as soon as possible. S OCIAL S TODIES This week in Social Studies we will be reviewing the Government of Africa. Sstudents will be discussing Apartheid, the legal separation of racist, embargo, nd Nelson Mandela. Sstudents are encouraged to take their CRCT Practice book home and read at least 20 minutes a day. You can contact me at [emailprotected] com if you nave questlons or concerns. I nank you Tor your support We are continuing our Decimals Module. We are focusing on changing from fractions to decimals, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing the decimals. I have put helpful links on my website to help you and the sstudents. My website address is oncoursesystems. com/ school/webpage. aspx? id=471158. Sstudents use oth the textbook and the workbook in class so please make sure they have these everyday. We are continuing to work on our Multiplication Skills. READING This week in Reading we will be going over the different parts that make up a story and what to look for when you are reading non-fiction, fiction, or informational text. We will use the articles that they are reading on TeenBiz3000 to help them learn all the parts in a story or table 1. Please make sure that your child is keeping up with their A. R. book so they can read every day and meet their A. R goal. (Which will be a grade at the end of the 9 weeks. )

Cause and Effect Essay on Bullying

Cause and Effect Essay on Bullying Cause and Effect Essay on Bullying In recent decades, one thought of bullying on the college or university level as a form of hazing carried out by upper-classmen on freshmen. Many schools turned a blind eye on the practice, and freshmen simply endured the hazing as a ritual, expecting it to last only for the first year of college. Over time, bullying in colleges and universities has been reduced significantly. This does not, however, mean that our society is bullying-free. In contemporary societies, bullying still takes place, although in different forms. Bullying can take place in schools, at places of employment, and even in neighborhoods, involving adults and children. However, parents often miss the bullying that goes on within their own homes. For instance, younger children face a significant degree of bullying from their older siblings. For example, whenever elder children are assigned some domestic tasks, they entice their younger siblings to do the tasks for them. Should the latter refuse, they are threatened, abused physically, or denied food. The causes of this form of bullying are widespread. Research has shown that families in which there is sibling bullying tend to be low-income. In other words, there is substantial scarcity of basic needs to the point that children literally fight over the meager resources available. Subsequently, the older children will impose a condition on their younger brothers and sisters; that for them to get food, they have to run certain errands for the older ones or perform specific tasks. For fear of being denied a basic necessity, the young children obey. In other situations, bullying is a way of emphasizing one’s seniority or superiority in a particular setting. This is the main reason for bullying in learning institutions. In other cases, bullying can be an indicator of an underlying psychological problem on the part of the perpetrator. For example, a person who is under pressure may decide to release it on the helpless, subordinate individuals around him or her. One major effect of bullying is emotional distress. If the bullying takes the form of physical abuse or threats, the victim may become withdrawn, developing low self-esteem. In itself, lack of self-esteem produces many other undesirable effects. For instance, it can interfere with academic performance and social involvement. It can also cause a general distaste for life. In the latter, it is possible that a person may commit suicide because he or she sees no value in life. On the other hand, bullying may harden the victim, leading to the development of a cruel and callous individual. This might carry over into adulthood, resulting in parents who are extremely harsh on their children and their spouses, as well. Ultimately, it will affect a society in a number of ways that relate to psychological and health issues. Tips on cause and effect essay writing: In order to compose a powerful cause and effect essay on bullying, one needs to generate an outline to guide the development of the essay – select the most important effect that bullying may have on an individual and then determine the primary causes for it. No matter, how in-depth your investigation on this topic is, it is of vital importance to have a general idea of what you are going to write about. This will help you to concentrate and stay focused on the most important aspects of the topic. If you need to buy a professional essay on bullying you can easily contact our professional essay writing service which hires highly qualified writers only to help students online.