Growth and Development Research
Content
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
1 Dallas Baptist University
Growth and Development Final
•
Chapter 10 –How does body image affect attitudes and behaviors of teens? According to Rauste-von Wright (1989), adolescents from 11-10 experience concerns
with both physical and body image which directly effects their self-esteem, and ideas about sexual behavior. Another study conducted by Sussman et al., 2003 espouses the fact that early maturing boys and girls often experience more psychological stress invariably due to sexual pressures. Additionally, early maturation also puts this group at odds because they are not able to discuss body changes with their peers. Based on the previous mentioned studies, both early and late physical development have both advantages and disadvantages; however, late physical maturation yields more benefits in the end since sexual tendencies may be prolonged to later adolescent years. In teaching middle school, I can see a direct correlation with both studies. For example, I know several late maturing students whom appear more stable, confident and focused on school work while early maturing students do appear to engage in more serious relationships which sometimes lead to sexual advances. One of the biggest complaints the early maturing girls and boys have stems directly from relationship issues. During adolescence, kids who mature at an early age feel somewhat embarrassed. As an early maturing female, I can recall the implications of the negative pressures. Most boys were only enamored by body parts, and not necessarily intellect. There was a certain level of uncertainly as I was not able to talk to many girls who experienced the
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
2 Dallas Baptist University
same level of physical maturity. I felt that this caused some disadvantages for me because I was quiet and I felt somewhat awkward due to early maturation. In addition, there was an onset of acne problems that were directly related to the early maturation which caused more disconnected feelings. Some of the acne subsided as years passed. Eventually, I began to feel more confident as my acne resolved and my physical appearance eventually matched my peers. Thus, the feelings of awkwardness eventually dwindled away. Today, this is still the case with many students. Boys or girls who mature fast often times pick up extra body fat and this can also make them feel uneasy with their physical appearance. Not to mention, the TV advertisements and the pressures for both males and females to look perfect. Today, the pressures are even greater and the only way to cope is to build a stronger inner personality or spiritual self to manage one’s feelings about their outer appearance.
•
Chapter 11 – What factors contribute to juvenile delinquency? Juvenile delinquency takes in to account many factors such as identity versus identity
confusion, social reference groups, parenting styles, and parent allies. In the scheme of things, Erickson’s Psychosocial stages best articulate specific psychosocial stages that evolve from birth to death. Erickson’s stages also demonstrates when there are abnormalities during the early stages those abnormalities may re-surface later as the individual strives to meet social needs. For example, if a child was sexually abused as early as five years of age, the identity vs. confusion stage which occurs during adolescent years may bring on the desire to understand and explore the misunderstood sexual desires. In addition, suppose a child
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
3 Dallas Baptist University
observes parents and peers with drug addictions; this too may also lead to an adolescent who wants to experiment with drugs. In both cases, there are early influences that were dealt with later as the individual worked to find psychosocial equilibrium. How does this all fit together with juvenile delinquency. Delinquent behaviors often time start early. Warp and perversion often starts early. Poor choices, and negative decision making often starts early which means juvenile delinquency starts early. Most teenagers don’t become delinquents over night. They tend to have trouble paths and have traveled down roads that often times lead to deviant behaviors. Here is the good news. It is important to have a positive support system in order to minimize some of the drama that teenagers experience during the identity vs. confusion stage. I have known a number of individuals that grew up in a bad environment with parents on drugs, friends on drugs, and not to mention their poor behaviors; yet, through early interventions such as active church affiliation, boys clubs, a positive mentor, or a caring teacher or counselor can rehabilitate a not so good situation. While there may be some that still choose the wrong path, many can be saved with the right amount of investment. In the end, many teenagers sometimes loose their way. However, as long as there are caring people that give back, society will always help correct the ills and the wrongs.
•
Chapter 13 – In what ways did attitudes toward sexuality in general change
in the latter 20th century? pg 400 This is a very interesting subject that gives a great deal of credence to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs which espouses that individuals must meet certain needs in order to
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
4 Dallas Baptist University
reach their ideal state – self actualization. In essence, it means one has to meet physiological needs, safety needs, love needs, esteem needs, and eventually on to selfactualization. Similarly, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory expresses three categories of love i.e. intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment. During the early 20th century, most individuals were fixed on commitment with their sexual partner. They believed it was important to court and date and it was a much more complicated process when sexual relationships were a part of the relationship. Somehow over the years and with the introduction of more sexual freedom through the use of technology with birth control and condoms, people have changed their perspectives on love and relationship. Mostly, people believe that relationships are formed by first getting to know each other physically instead of mentally. In addition, there is a lack of commitment as if society is fixated on the passion stage of Sternberg’s Triangular Theory. There is a heightened desire to cohabitate rather marry. People are treating each other like disposable paper towels; they use them up physically and emotionally and throw away the relationship with little or no cares. This illegitimate sexual behavior has brought with it many other issues such as an increased number of single parents, rise in abortions and divorce rates. Not to mention, people are abandoning emotional commitment and replacing the old traditional courtship with a casual friendship. What was intended and meant to be an exclusive relationship that was sanctioned under God became anything other.
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
5 Dallas Baptist University
Furthermore, the appropriate marriage age has moved from 16 to 18 to 21 and now on to late twenties. In some cases, for career minded such as future doctors or lawyers, marriage may be delayed until early or late thirty’s. Who knows why sexual behaviors evolved to less or little commitment from partners? Perhaps, the trend of birth control and condoms along with society on the move seeking freedom of expression and individuality triggered promicuality. Additionally, this push for expression and birth control measures perpetuated an attitude that gave some individual a false sense of security when it came to sex, and having offspring. Hence, even more reason for people to explore love in all the wrong places and forget about their values as sex became more readily assessable in this fast paced society. On the other hand, we must remember that even with the shift from the 20th century to today there are still individuals who prefer a monogamous relationship with a high level of commitment, and there are many who practice abstinence until they are married as well as arranged marriages in certain cultures which are all plusses when it comes to preserving positive sexual behaviors in today’s society. In the end, we can’t cave in to the distorted sexual behaviors today. The monster that today’s media, technology, expression of freedom, and birth control have created can all be eradicated with the blood of Jesus. No, it is not a perfect world, but yet we can strive to be Christ like in all our ways.
•
Chapter 17 – In what ways is old age very much what an individual makes of it? Sure old age brings on a decline in physical and mental tenacity. According to
Hedrich & Ryff, 1993, older people will often times compare their health issues to others.
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
6 Dallas Baptist University
Additionally Hedrich & Ryff believe that individuals feel better as they acknowledge that others are worse off physically or mentally. While this may be true, I have the pleasure of knowing a formidable grandmother who continues to prove that age is just another number. She is currently 72 years of age and suffers from diabetes, and failed kidneys. Yet, somehow through the dialysis, diverticulitis, arthritis, and all of the medicines, she appears cheery and happy. When we are out on an excursion, she keeps up with the group and loves to stay on the go. Her efforts to remain in church as well as continue to participate in family gatherings keeps her moving, and she is forever showing us that a true heroine never gives in or never gives up.
•
Chapter 18 – Evaluate the Hospice service. Hospice care was first introduced to the United States in the early 1970’s and the big
push was to care for patients rather than cure patients. I have mixed feelings when it comes to hospice because I know all too well that it depends on the caretaker’s personality and stamina. Sometimes the hospice nurse is caring and invigorating and other times he or she may be apathetic or unconcerned. Recently, my uncle died due to complications from West Nile disease and kidney failure. He suffered a long time and eventually the hospital told him there was nothing else they could do. Over time he had a few hospice nurses to come in and assist with minimal patient care. I say minimal because they would only wipe him down, and give him some medications. Yet, my uncle required around the care attention. Who was responsible for his care the rest of the time? Surely, my 72 year old grandmother was not the one to subscribe to this level of patient care. I don’t know
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
7 Dallas Baptist University
where she found the strength to help, but she did. As the hospice nurse would leave, my grandmother would step in and assume care for my uncle. The other children would come by and help from time to time. Also, Uncle Johnny would help when he got home from work. There were not enough hands or hours in a day. Yet, the family pulled together to make it work. I do believe hospice does have some benefits, but the program does have a long way to go as it relates to full patient care. There are some families that lack support and patients do tend to suffer more because terminal illness requires a great deal of interest and care.
1 Dallas Baptist University
Growth and Development Final
•
Chapter 10 –How does body image affect attitudes and behaviors of teens? According to Rauste-von Wright (1989), adolescents from 11-10 experience concerns
with both physical and body image which directly effects their self-esteem, and ideas about sexual behavior. Another study conducted by Sussman et al., 2003 espouses the fact that early maturing boys and girls often experience more psychological stress invariably due to sexual pressures. Additionally, early maturation also puts this group at odds because they are not able to discuss body changes with their peers. Based on the previous mentioned studies, both early and late physical development have both advantages and disadvantages; however, late physical maturation yields more benefits in the end since sexual tendencies may be prolonged to later adolescent years. In teaching middle school, I can see a direct correlation with both studies. For example, I know several late maturing students whom appear more stable, confident and focused on school work while early maturing students do appear to engage in more serious relationships which sometimes lead to sexual advances. One of the biggest complaints the early maturing girls and boys have stems directly from relationship issues. During adolescence, kids who mature at an early age feel somewhat embarrassed. As an early maturing female, I can recall the implications of the negative pressures. Most boys were only enamored by body parts, and not necessarily intellect. There was a certain level of uncertainly as I was not able to talk to many girls who experienced the
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
2 Dallas Baptist University
same level of physical maturity. I felt that this caused some disadvantages for me because I was quiet and I felt somewhat awkward due to early maturation. In addition, there was an onset of acne problems that were directly related to the early maturation which caused more disconnected feelings. Some of the acne subsided as years passed. Eventually, I began to feel more confident as my acne resolved and my physical appearance eventually matched my peers. Thus, the feelings of awkwardness eventually dwindled away. Today, this is still the case with many students. Boys or girls who mature fast often times pick up extra body fat and this can also make them feel uneasy with their physical appearance. Not to mention, the TV advertisements and the pressures for both males and females to look perfect. Today, the pressures are even greater and the only way to cope is to build a stronger inner personality or spiritual self to manage one’s feelings about their outer appearance.
•
Chapter 11 – What factors contribute to juvenile delinquency? Juvenile delinquency takes in to account many factors such as identity versus identity
confusion, social reference groups, parenting styles, and parent allies. In the scheme of things, Erickson’s Psychosocial stages best articulate specific psychosocial stages that evolve from birth to death. Erickson’s stages also demonstrates when there are abnormalities during the early stages those abnormalities may re-surface later as the individual strives to meet social needs. For example, if a child was sexually abused as early as five years of age, the identity vs. confusion stage which occurs during adolescent years may bring on the desire to understand and explore the misunderstood sexual desires. In addition, suppose a child
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
3 Dallas Baptist University
observes parents and peers with drug addictions; this too may also lead to an adolescent who wants to experiment with drugs. In both cases, there are early influences that were dealt with later as the individual worked to find psychosocial equilibrium. How does this all fit together with juvenile delinquency. Delinquent behaviors often time start early. Warp and perversion often starts early. Poor choices, and negative decision making often starts early which means juvenile delinquency starts early. Most teenagers don’t become delinquents over night. They tend to have trouble paths and have traveled down roads that often times lead to deviant behaviors. Here is the good news. It is important to have a positive support system in order to minimize some of the drama that teenagers experience during the identity vs. confusion stage. I have known a number of individuals that grew up in a bad environment with parents on drugs, friends on drugs, and not to mention their poor behaviors; yet, through early interventions such as active church affiliation, boys clubs, a positive mentor, or a caring teacher or counselor can rehabilitate a not so good situation. While there may be some that still choose the wrong path, many can be saved with the right amount of investment. In the end, many teenagers sometimes loose their way. However, as long as there are caring people that give back, society will always help correct the ills and the wrongs.
•
Chapter 13 – In what ways did attitudes toward sexuality in general change
in the latter 20th century? pg 400 This is a very interesting subject that gives a great deal of credence to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs which espouses that individuals must meet certain needs in order to
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
4 Dallas Baptist University
reach their ideal state – self actualization. In essence, it means one has to meet physiological needs, safety needs, love needs, esteem needs, and eventually on to selfactualization. Similarly, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory expresses three categories of love i.e. intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment. During the early 20th century, most individuals were fixed on commitment with their sexual partner. They believed it was important to court and date and it was a much more complicated process when sexual relationships were a part of the relationship. Somehow over the years and with the introduction of more sexual freedom through the use of technology with birth control and condoms, people have changed their perspectives on love and relationship. Mostly, people believe that relationships are formed by first getting to know each other physically instead of mentally. In addition, there is a lack of commitment as if society is fixated on the passion stage of Sternberg’s Triangular Theory. There is a heightened desire to cohabitate rather marry. People are treating each other like disposable paper towels; they use them up physically and emotionally and throw away the relationship with little or no cares. This illegitimate sexual behavior has brought with it many other issues such as an increased number of single parents, rise in abortions and divorce rates. Not to mention, people are abandoning emotional commitment and replacing the old traditional courtship with a casual friendship. What was intended and meant to be an exclusive relationship that was sanctioned under God became anything other.
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
5 Dallas Baptist University
Furthermore, the appropriate marriage age has moved from 16 to 18 to 21 and now on to late twenties. In some cases, for career minded such as future doctors or lawyers, marriage may be delayed until early or late thirty’s. Who knows why sexual behaviors evolved to less or little commitment from partners? Perhaps, the trend of birth control and condoms along with society on the move seeking freedom of expression and individuality triggered promicuality. Additionally, this push for expression and birth control measures perpetuated an attitude that gave some individual a false sense of security when it came to sex, and having offspring. Hence, even more reason for people to explore love in all the wrong places and forget about their values as sex became more readily assessable in this fast paced society. On the other hand, we must remember that even with the shift from the 20th century to today there are still individuals who prefer a monogamous relationship with a high level of commitment, and there are many who practice abstinence until they are married as well as arranged marriages in certain cultures which are all plusses when it comes to preserving positive sexual behaviors in today’s society. In the end, we can’t cave in to the distorted sexual behaviors today. The monster that today’s media, technology, expression of freedom, and birth control have created can all be eradicated with the blood of Jesus. No, it is not a perfect world, but yet we can strive to be Christ like in all our ways.
•
Chapter 17 – In what ways is old age very much what an individual makes of it? Sure old age brings on a decline in physical and mental tenacity. According to
Hedrich & Ryff, 1993, older people will often times compare their health issues to others.
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
6 Dallas Baptist University
Additionally Hedrich & Ryff believe that individuals feel better as they acknowledge that others are worse off physically or mentally. While this may be true, I have the pleasure of knowing a formidable grandmother who continues to prove that age is just another number. She is currently 72 years of age and suffers from diabetes, and failed kidneys. Yet, somehow through the dialysis, diverticulitis, arthritis, and all of the medicines, she appears cheery and happy. When we are out on an excursion, she keeps up with the group and loves to stay on the go. Her efforts to remain in church as well as continue to participate in family gatherings keeps her moving, and she is forever showing us that a true heroine never gives in or never gives up.
•
Chapter 18 – Evaluate the Hospice service. Hospice care was first introduced to the United States in the early 1970’s and the big
push was to care for patients rather than cure patients. I have mixed feelings when it comes to hospice because I know all too well that it depends on the caretaker’s personality and stamina. Sometimes the hospice nurse is caring and invigorating and other times he or she may be apathetic or unconcerned. Recently, my uncle died due to complications from West Nile disease and kidney failure. He suffered a long time and eventually the hospital told him there was nothing else they could do. Over time he had a few hospice nurses to come in and assist with minimal patient care. I say minimal because they would only wipe him down, and give him some medications. Yet, my uncle required around the care attention. Who was responsible for his care the rest of the time? Surely, my 72 year old grandmother was not the one to subscribe to this level of patient care. I don’t know
P. Bell © August 2006 Professor Price
7 Dallas Baptist University
where she found the strength to help, but she did. As the hospice nurse would leave, my grandmother would step in and assume care for my uncle. The other children would come by and help from time to time. Also, Uncle Johnny would help when he got home from work. There were not enough hands or hours in a day. Yet, the family pulled together to make it work. I do believe hospice does have some benefits, but the program does have a long way to go as it relates to full patient care. There are some families that lack support and patients do tend to suffer more because terminal illness requires a great deal of interest and care.
