1The exact point in time at which an individual transitions

1.The exact point in time at which an individual transitions from one developmental phase to another (for example, middle childhood to adolescence) is often assigned somewhat arbitrarily. In fact, even developmental scientists/authors don\'t always agree on \"where\" the lines between these artificial constructs fall. If you were given the task to defend why a particular child had moved solidly into adolescence, what would be the 3 most important non-physical areas of development you would examine to make the decision (i.e., some specific cognitive or psychosocial characteristic/skill)? In addition, describe how you would expect an adolescent to function differently in each of these 3 characteristics/skills you have selected.

2. Your 20 year-old son is still living at home. He has a job at a local fast-food restaurant and makes enough money to pay for his car and to provide his own spending money. He does not contribute to household expenses or buy his own clothing. He was a B student in high school and does not want to work in the restaurant as a career, but he is not sure what he wants to do. He spends most of his free time with his friends from high school. Although you do not object to your son living with you and he is helpful around the house, you are concerned that he is delaying making some important choices.

Describe issues that might be relevant in this case scenario, such as the sons levels of cognitive and moral development (Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg), issues relevant to choosing a career or job (Marcia), and ways that as parents one can foster the development of autonomy and independence in children. You need to explain your answer in relation to the theories described in the readings. In your own opinion, do you think this young man is in a good position as he enters adulthood? Why or why not?

Solution

The three non-physical markers of adolescence:

1. Development of cognitive abilities. Adolescence is associated with the increased cognitive abilities and also with the development of gravity in the thoughts.

2. Psychological development. The psychology of adolescent individual is internally disturbed and remain in a state of turmoil.

3. Social development. The concept of oneself develops during the adolescence stage of the life.