The document discusses the stages of human development from infancy through late adulthood. It outlines 8 stages: 1) infancy, 2) early childhood, 3) middle childhood, 4) late childhood, 5) adolescence, 6) transition to adulthood, 7) first adulthood, and 8) second adulthood. Each stage is characterized by key physical, cognitive, emotional, and social developments and challenges. The document also focuses on adolescence, outlining the developmental tasks, physical and emotional changes, and social influences during this transition period to adulthood.
1. Stages in the Life Cycles
Stage 1: Infancy (Birth to One Year) – the most rapid of growth occurs in this stage.
Infants grow rapidly and usually triple their birth weight. The infant depends on adult for
food, clothing and shelter. The infant learns adults are reliable if needs are met. The
challenge of infancy is to learn to trust other people. Infants whose needs are not met are
usually distrustful of others.
Stage 2: Early Childhood (One to Three Years) – the rate of growth is slower than
infancy. Children explore the environment with the help adults. Adults teach them to be
safe. For example, adults teach children to keep their fingers away from electrical
sockets. Children begin to mimic adults and say “NO”. They learn the importance of
self-control because of that they are toilet trained.
Stage 3: Middle Childhood (Three to Six Years) – children are very imaginative
during this stage. They may pretend to read to a doll or put out a fire with a toy fire
truck. They act out their impressions of the adult work. Children also learn that some
choices are better than others.
Stage 4: Late Childhood (Six to Twelve years) – children in late childhood have great
deal of physical and mental energy. They ask endless questions: “Why?”, “How does
this work?”, “When can I do this?” Adults encourage mental growth when they are
patient and answer questions. They develop new skills – reading, writing, math and other
school and home chores.
Stage 5: Adolescence (12 – 18 years) – the physical, emotional and social transition
from childhood to adulthood. Adolescence is a period of rapid and physical and
emotional growth. Adolescents are aware of their maleness and femaleness. They gain
reasoning skills. They attempt to accept their changing bodies and their sexuality.
Stage 6: Transition to Adulthood (18 – 30) – young adults strive to become
independent of parents. They must develop skills needed to earn money to live on their
own. At this stage they seek a significant relationship with another young adult. This
relationship is intended to be one that will provide emotional needs.
Stage 7: First Adulthood (30 – 45) – adults in first adulthood are very busy with family
life and careers. Much energy is devoted to bringing up children. Adults without
children also spend time nurturing important relationship. Work is demanding during the
first adulthood. Adults set financial and achievement goals and work to reach them.
Stage 8: Second Adulthood (45 – 70) – adults in second adulthood pause to review the
first adulthood and make adjustment. Family life changes as children mature and prepare
to leave home. In second adult hood, adults prepare for the years when they will retire or
a spouse will retire. They become more interested in developing relationships with
others. They also have as interest in the community. They strive to “give back” to
others.
2. Stage 9: Late Adulthood (70+) – adults in late adulthood must come to terms with
death. They grieve the loss of friends and loved ones who die. They grieve the eventual
loss of their own life. It is healthful for adults at this stage to share their feeling about
death with family members.
DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS OF ADOLESCENCE
Development tasks are achievements that need to be mastered as you grow toards
maturity.
Test 1: having healthy friendships with the members of both sexes.
Test 2: being comfortable with your males and your femaleness
Test 3: Being comfortable with your body
Test 4: gaining skills that will help you to be independent from your parents and other
adults
Task 5: learning skills that you can use later if you marry and become a priest
Task 6: Learning skills that help you get a job and earn money.
Task 7: Having a clear set of values to guide your powers
Task 8: Developing Social Conscience
Physical Changes in adolescence
For Boy: For Girls:
1. Broadening of shoulders 1. Broadening of the hips
2. Hair growth 2. Hair growth
3. Growth spurt 3. Growth spurt
4. Lowering of voice 4. Development of breast
5. More Active sweat and oil glands 5. More active sweat glands and oil
6. Sperm Production glands
6. Menstruation
Emotional Changes in Adolescents
It is the period of “storm and stress” --- a time of physical and glandular changes
that are taking place. Being emotional of adolescents may be attributed mainly to the fact
that boys and girls come under social pressures and face new conditions that surrounds
the adolescent today.
Hormones are another reason why some adolescent experience mood swings. But
relatively it is the social pressure that greatly influence the intense emotions that
adolescents go through.
Social changes in adolescents
There is an increased peer-group influence at this time because they spend most
of their time outside the home with members of the peer group. They tend to be a part of
a group. They also develop a preference of being with the opposite sex than the same
sex. As a result of this they make better adjustment in social situation. They choose the
friends who understand them and make them feel secure. Those people whom they can
3. confide problems and discuss matters which they cannot share with their parents and
teachers. An unfavorable first impression will result to alienation on some people.
Problem and Concerns
1. Appearance
2. Friends
3. Family
4. School
5. Love Life
Interest
The interest of adolescent depends on the following:
1. gender
2. intelligence
3. environment in which they live
4. opportunities they have had for developing their interest
5. what their peers are interested in
6. their status in their social group
7. their innate abilities
8. the interest of their family
The unusual things that adolescents are interested to are the following:
1. games and sports
2. relaxing ( talking with friends thru phone, texting and chatting )
3. traveling
4. hobbies
5. reading
6. movies
7. music
8. daydreaming