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Adolescence Life Span Development
Lakesha Rountree
PSYC/510
October 23, 2016
Professor Mary Cooper
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Adolescent Life Span Development
Human development starts at birth and it is something that will continue to happen as we
age. As we get older we develop physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional growth that help
us to move through each stage of life. These things are most important when we get to the
adolescent because this is when most of the changes take place. There can be many things that
play a role in our development during adolescents.
Things That Affect Physical Development
When we talk about physical development, we are talking about more than the nice shape
that a girl has in high school or the nice abs that a guy may have from playing football or
working out. The outside appearance is a factor, but we also have to look at how the brain and
the other organs of the adolescent’s body are affected.
During this time in a child’s life is when they begin to “spring up like weeds” this is
considered going through a growth spurt. This is when the muscles, bones and other parts of the
body grow almost overnight. The pace is so rapid that you may see the child on Monday and then
on Friday he will look like he has grown 2 to 4 inches. During this time is also when puberty
begins to set in and not only are they growing, but they are also going through hormonal
changes.
The things that affect a child’s physical development can be different depending on the
child and the things that each child goes through during life. Things such as stress, sexual
activity, sports, and even injuries can change how an adolescent will develop physically. Many
times an adolescent when begin to have peer pressure from other teens, especially if their body is
not growing at the same rate as others. This can cause low self-esteem because that adolescent is
trying so hard to fit in with the rest of their peers. Females more than males, have to deal with
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unwanted weight gain during this time. Even though this is something that is natural not all
females gain weight. According to The Journal of Adolescent Health, a study was done on girls
9-10 and they were followed until they reach age 22. The study showed how self-esteem in these
girls effected their BMI (body mass index) (Biro, Striegel-Moore, & Franko, 2006). This is also
effected by the race of the female. African American females are affected more than white
females.
Heredity
When we say heredity we are speak of the things that are passed from the parent to the
child through DNA. Genetic disorders can be responsible for a great deal of physical infirmities.
