How does adolescence mark a change in thinking and experience? Essay

Inherent in the study of human behavior is the basic comprehension towards the life cycle. This life cycle appreciates the stages which every human being shall pass beginning at birth and ending in death. With these views, theories are made with the three major assumptions in mind: First the essential premise to the varieties of life cycle theories proposes that there is a sequential order of development that is successive and clearly defined. Second is the assumption that each individual stage or period comprises of events or crises that need to be resolved for the development to progress in a smooth manner. This is termed as the epigenetic principle. Whenever an individual fails to attain a resolution to a particular crisis or event, the subsequent periods will manifest that failure in such modes as the individual’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional maladaptive behavior. Thirdly, while these stages occur in sequence and contain events or crises that the individual needs to resolve, each stage however, reflects a â€Å"crisis point’ that makes each phase distinct from either of its preceding and succeeding stages. ~Nature and significance of the study Erikson is a key figure in the study of developmental psychology. He is instrumental with the current understanding of the different stages of a human life span. This research work is a product of the attempt to expand on the understanding of Erikson’s major work with the integration of several others who are instrumental to a more updated and comprehensive appreciation of the changes and growth that proceed to the development of an adult personality specifically focusing on his emotional and social maturity. Discussion Perspectives in psychology and philosophy in general, are developed to help explain and shed light on various human behaviors that not only boggle and are difficult to understand. There are controversies that ensue and these also make interventions difficult at the same time. Development does not end once a person reaches maturity, but continues throughout life. Developmental psychologists seek to describe ad analyze the regularities of human development across the entire life span. It focuses primarily on these aspects of development that make us similar to one another. In order to thoroughly appreciate the changes that are happening to a young person specifically pertaining to the social and emotional aspects, the following discussion of the theoretical perspectives are undertaken. Erikson’s psychosocial stages: Adolescence & Early Adulthood Erikson identified the period of adolescence with a corresponding challenge to achieve a sense of identity. Adolescents need to leave behind the carefree, irresponsible, and impulsive behaviors of childhood and to develop the more purposeful, responsible, planned behaviors of adults. If the individual is successful in making this change, he will develop a sense of confidence and a positive identity. If he is unsuccessful, he will experience role confusion, which will result in low self-esteem and become socially withdrawn. This concept assumes that in general, children will progress towards adolescence with the all-important development of establishing his identity and those problems that normally are encountered around this stage basically are related around the individual’s search for identity. Identity formation is essentially known to be identified with the period of adolescence. However, even Erikson admitted that adolescence sometimes is prolonged or takes longer years of the â€Å"extended identity exploration,† Arnett noted. Social and physical development affecting the expansion and constriction of their world from infancy through older adulthood Social and physical development during the stage of infancy constricts the infant’s life because of the child’s inability to walk yet as well as their inability to associate well because of immature brain development which lasts until the person reaches the age at approximately 20 years old. Understandably social and physical developments start to increase during childhood, adolescence and middle adulthood in contrast to the infant. However, starting when the child reaches childhood, his/her world starts to increasingly expand as his motor skills develop and physical capability enhances. This goes on in largely intensified and greater results when the child enters the adolescent period until the person reaches the senior years and pace is affected considerably. The person’s social world constricts primarily because the physical limitations understandably inhibit the person and consequently isolates the person. Older adulthood similarly possesses the same characteristics of that of an infant and toddler because the genes dictate when these traits start to emerge. The concept of Growth goals In the study by Bauer and McAdams, these activities and behavior reflect the growth goals, both intrinsic and exploratory, that are necessary for them to develop eventually. This is called peer pressure and although many children pretend to keep their cool, almost all of those who are at this developmental level have their share of frustrations from the influence of other individuals that surround them. Peer pressure is inevitably tied up with the differences of culture and beliefs and when a particular child or young person emerges with the understanding that these experiences are necessary for them to ultimately be enabled to face many more troubles to come. It cannot be underestimated. Because of the major biological changes that their bodies go through, they tend to be flooded with overwhelming emotions that at most times make them confused. These biological changes include the normal maturation or unfolding of genetic characteristics marking the start of puberty. Because of the hormonal changes accompanying puberty, the child’s moods and behavior are often affected. The issues that surround emerging young adult include the individual’s adaptation to his body’s biological changes, struggle for autonomy, and peer influence. These are some of the important concerns that an adolescent individual faces. Biological changes entail awareness of the transformation that is occurring in the person’s body. Since an adolescent is passing through a physiological transition, and because the transformation involves the appearance, this is a major concern for any adolescent. In the teen’s struggle for autonomy, there is a mounting tension between parents and children of adolescent age because the latter prefers to think that he/she is capable of a lot of things and are allowed a greater amount of liberties. However, this becomes a source of frustration and conflict by both parents and children due to the latter’s inconsistencies. Furthermore, the shift from parental influence to peer influence is one of the major changes both the parents and teenagers have difficulty facing. Implications According to Piaget, individuals at this stage have developed the ability to form â€Å"hypothetical-deductive reasoning. † Children think that they already have knowledge and some experience, and believe capable to think logically; able to judge certain matters well. Though this may be true, recent findings in brain research show that adolescent emotions overcome rationality or despite some existing facts that should also be weighed, their feelings override reasoning. Teenagers make rash decisions which may or may not harm him/herself. According to an explanation on Piaget’s formal operations stage, an individual may consider many possibilities in life, may be able to successfully handle crisis at most times, as well as analyze existing assumptions. In addition, a research done by Flavell, mentions the accumulation of experiences which may accordingly influence the decision making processes. For adolescents, decision-making capacity is more critical due to these important considerations. This is accentuated based on recent brain researches. Adolescents make rash decisions due to the interference of emotions in their reasoning process. Neurobiological experts suggest that the adolescents’ immature brain development may actually let emotions obstruct or â€Å"override reason†. This explains a lot why teens become very emotional inspite of the facts presented before them. If parents only become conscientious during the early formation or fundamental stages (birth to seven years old), they should continue to be there with their teens in the puberty years and help with the transition. 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