COUN2231 Lifespan Development Assessment Answer

Introduction

Early adolescence and early adulthood are crucial phases of a person's development because they involve significant changes in physical, mental, emotional, and social health. During these periods, individuals undergo both typical and atypical patterns of development, which shape their growth and influence their future trajectories (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023). Early adolescence, which typically lasts from ages 10 to 14, is characterised by rapid physical changes, including the advent of puberty, changes in body composition, and the emergence of secondary sexual characteristics. Early adolescents begin to establish their identities, navigate peer relationships, and develop a sense of social independence from their families. In contrast, delays or deviations from typical developmental milestones during the early phases of adolescence may indicate atypical development. Several factors, such as underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, environmental influences, or genetic predispositions, may be responsible for the atypical development patterns (Winpenny et al., 2020). The years between late adolescence and early adulthood are characterised by increased physical development, the pursuance of educational or professional goals, and the development of more secure and self-sufficient social ties. During this stage, cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and the formation of a more solid sense of self typically improve. Atypical development in early adulthood may manifest as difficulty developing independence, difficulties forming and maintaining relationships, mental health issues, or a delay in reaching developmental milestones (Atherton, 2020).

Early adolescence and early adulthood

Early adolescence is a time of rapid growth and development that marks the change from childhood to adolescence. Early adulthood is a time when abstract thinking, reasoning, and the ability to think about yourself get better. There are more people who are able to think deeply and solve hard problems. But cognitive development during this time can also be marked by cognitive variability, which means that different parts of a person's mind grow at different rates. Peer ties change a lot during the early years of adolescence. Peer acceptance, social standing, and making close friends are becoming more and more important (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019). During early adulthood, people often want to be independent, try new things, and figure out who they are and where they fit in the world. During this stage of cognitive growth, a person's critical thinking skills, ability to solve problems, and personal values and beliefs get stronger. Emotional growth means getting better at controlling your feelings, learning more about yourself, and coming up with ways to deal with life's challenges. Early adulthood is a time of big changes in your social life, such as going to college, getting a job, and making close friends. It is a time when people start to separate from their families of origin and make choices about their jobs, schooling, and way of life. Early adulthood is also a time when people spend more time with friends and love partners and build a social support system (Ribar & Wong, 2022).

Typical and Atypical Development

Atypical development refers to departures or delays from the usual patterns of growth and change that persons generally experience during the many stages of life. On the other hand, typical development refers to the expected patterns of growth and change that individuals generally experience. Atypical development is characterised by a range of symptoms and can have a variety of root reasons because normal development is a multifaceted and uniquely individual process. persons who may be experiencing atypical development might receive support from early identification and appropriate interventions, which can promote the persons' well-being and maximise their potential for positive developmental outcomes. Physical maturation, mental expansion, and the emergence of a distinct sense of self are all hallmarks of the developmental process known as adolescence (Bornstein et al., 2018). Atypical development during adolescence might show up as mental health problems, substance misuse, risky behaviours, or difficulties in the creation of an identity. Establishing one's independence, pursuing educational or occupational ambitions, and developing intimate relationships are all typical stages of growth throughout the early years of adulthood.

Typical Development in Early Adolescence

Early puberty, which usually lasts from ages 10 to 14, is a time of big changes in the body, mind, and relationships. During early adolescence, most people go through a few key stages of growth. First is the start of puberty, which causes physical changes like the growth of secondary sexual traits, more hormone activity, and the ability to have children. These changes in a person's body can affect how they feel about themselves and how they connect with others. Second, there are more responsibilities and expectations in different areas, like school, chores, and hobbies outside of school (AMLE, 2023).This means learning how to manage your time, taking on new tasks, and making choices about your own goals and interests. Third, they need to learn how to deal with stress, setbacks, and obstacles. This could mean learning how to solve problems, how to talk to people well, and how to be strong when things don't go as planned. Also, early adolescence is marked by a lot of cognitive growth, which makes it easier to think critically and reflect on one's own ideas and actions. This makes it easier to be more self-aware and think about oneself. Also, early adolescence is a time when people spend more time with their friends and form more complicated relationships with them. Emotional development in early adolescence includes learning to control and manage feelings, understand how others feel, and develop empathy and the ability to see things from other people's points of view (Bjorklund, 2022).

Atypical Development in Early Adolescence

Atypical development in early teens means that growth and development don't go as expected or take longer than expected. It can show up in different ways, such as delayed or early puberty. Physical immaturity can happen if puberty is delayed, which can affect a person's self-esteem and social life. On the other hand, precocious puberty, in which physical changes happen early, can cause mental and social problems because the person may find it hard to deal with the early physical changes. It also includes problems with learning, like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other learning issues that can affect how well a person does in school. These problems could hurt the person's sense of self-worth, drive, and ability to do well in school (Banyard et al., 2019). Early adolescence is a period of increased risk for mental health issues such depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. These mental health issues may begin to manifest in those who have unusual development. The individual's overall functioning, social interactions, and emotional health may all be impacted by this. It also refers to engaging in risky behaviours like drug use, carelessness, or criminal activity. A person's physical health, mental health, and general well-being could be hurt by these actions (Ogundele, 2018). Also, there are problems with forming an identity, which can lead to misunderstanding, uncertainty, or a sense of an identity crisis. This can make it hard to figure out who you are, deal with conflicting values or beliefs, or meet societal or cultural standards.

Typical Development in Early Adulthood

The stage of human development known as early adulthood, often called young adulthood or emerging adulthood, is an essential period of time. Both in terms of my personal life and my professional life, this is a time of major upheaval and transition. During the early years of adulthood, one engages in a period of inquiry and experimentation across a variety of spheres, including the process of identity building. As they navigate through varied life events, young adults frequently engage in the process of self-discovery, during which they may challenge their ideas, values, and aspirations and create a sense of who they are.

Significant social changes characterise this period of life. These changes include the formation of close relationships, marriage, the beginning of children, and the launch of professional careers. Early adulthood is a time in a person's life when they frequently start getting involved in the communities and societies in which they live. Volunteering, taking part in civic activities, and campaigning for social causes are all examples of this type of engagement (Hochberg & Konner, 2020). During the transition into early adulthood, continued development of emotional regulation and self-awareness occurs. Young adults acquire the skills necessary to properly control and express their feelings, navigate difficult situations, and cope with stress and hardship in their lives. When a person reaches this age, they often make the shift from being financially dependent on their parents or other carers to being able to manage their own financial affairs independently. During this stage of financial growth, essential components include the development of important aspects including the development of financial literacy, abilities in budgeting, and planning for the future. As individuals mature, their interpersonal interactions become more complex, and they acquire skills in communication, the resolution of conflicts, and the formation and maintenance of healthy partnerships ((Hochberg & Konner, 2020).

Atypical Development in Early Adulthood

Atypical development in early adulthood means that a person's growth doesn't follow the typical path. This can affect a person's physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and vocational domains. Some people may have problems with their physical health when they are young adults, like chronic health conditions, disabilities, or genetic disorders that affect their ability to move around or their general health.The individual may require continuing medical care, alterations to your way of life, and coping mechanisms to deal with the effects of these issues on your day-to-day activities. Early adulthood can be impacted by neurodevelopmental or acquired conditions such intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, or neurocognitive disorders. These individuals may struggle with learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and generalised thinking, and they may require assistance and accommodations (Study Smarter, 2022). When a person is a young adult, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health issues can develop or worsen. A person's mental health, interpersonal relationships, and capacity for general function can all be significantly impacted by these diseases. They must receive the proper diagnosis, care, and assistance.

. People are expected to start their careers when they are young adults. However, some people may have trouble with their careers, such as unemployment, underemployment, or trouble getting and keeping a job due to a lack of education, skills, or opportunities. These problems can affect a person's financial security, sense of self-worth, and general health. Substance abuse and addiction can also start or get worse when a person is a young adult. This can cause major problems with physical health, mental health, relationships, and a person's job. People from different national, ethnic, or minority backgrounds may face unique problems in their early 20s, such as discrimination, racism, or systemic barriers that affect their physical, mental, emotional, social, and professional health (Chadda, 2018).

Conclusion

A person may not be emotionally or socially prepared for the physical changes occurring in their body. Atypical development in early adolescence can also manifest as difficulties with managing responsibilities and expectations, cognitive development and critical thinking, and forming and sustaining peer relationships. Symptoms of atypical development during early adolescence may also include mental health issues, substance abuse, reckless behaviours, and difficulties establishing a sense of self. Early maturity is characterised by the pursuit of independence, the setting and attainment of educational or occupational objectives, and the formation of intimate relationships. During this stage, cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and the formation of a secure sense of self typically improve. However, atypical development in early adulthood may manifest as difficulties with maturation, establishing independence from family, mental health issues, and difficulties forming and maintaining relationships with peers and romantic partners. It may also entail challenges in making significant life decisions and discovering a sense of purpose or direction. Supporting individuals who may be experiencing atypical development during early adolescence and early adulthood can rely heavily on early identification and the application of appropriate interventions. These interventions may include mental health support, interventions for substance abuse, emotional regulation therapy, and guidance in navigating relationships and life decisions. Normal development is a complex and individual process, and atypical development can have multiple causes, such as genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals experiencing atypical development can be better supported in their well-being and potential for positive developmental outcomes through the provision of appropriate support and interventions.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Stages of Adolescence. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Stages-of-Adolescence.aspx

AMLE. (2023). Developmental Characteristics of Young Adolescents: Research Summary. https://www.amle.org/developmental-characteristics-of-young-adolescents/

Atherton, O. E. (2020). Typical and atypical self‐regulation in adolescence: The importance of studying change over time. Social and personality psychology compass , 14 (1), e12514. 10.1111/spc3.12514

Banyard, P., Winder, B., Dillon, G., & Norman, C. (2019). Essential psychology. Essential Psychology , 1-856. https://sk.sagepub.com/books/essential-psychology/n15.xml

Bjorklund, D. F. (2022). Children′ s thinking: Cognitive development and individual differences . Sage publications. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=HTyAEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg

Bornstein, M. H., Hahn, C. S., Putnick, D. L., & Pearson, R. M. (2018). Stability of core language skill from infancy to adolescence in typical and atypical development. Science Advances , 4 (11), eaat7422. 10.1126/sciadv.aat7422

Chadda, R. K. (2018). Youth & mental health: Challenges ahead. The Indian journal of medical research , 148 (4), 359. 10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1585_18

Hochberg, Z. E., & Konner, M. (2020). Emerging adulthood, a pre-adult life-history stage. Frontiers in endocrinology , 10 , 918. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2019.00918

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). The promise of adolescence: Realizing opportunity for all youth. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545476/

Ogundele, M. O. (2018). Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for paediatricians. World journal of clinical pediatrics , 7 (1), 9. 10.5409/wjcp.v7.i1.9

Ribar, D. C., & Wong, C. (2022). Emerging Adulthood in Australia: How is this Stage Lived?. In Family Dynamics over the Life Course: Foundations, Turning Points and Outcomes (pp. 157-175). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12224-8_8

Study Smarter. (2023). Social Development in Adulthood. https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/psychology/developmental-psychology/social-development-in-adulthood/

Winpenny, E. M., Winkler, M. R., Stochl, J., Van Sluijs, E. M., Larson, N., & Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2020). Associations of early adulthood life transitions with changes in fast food intake: a latent trajectory analysis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity , 17 , 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-01024-4

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