Development in relation to human psychology is the progressive growth usually through a period from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. The development can be in terms of physical, cognitive and moral capabilities or roles, responsibilities and personality. As such, the paper is focused on discussing the difference between childhood and adolescence.
The differences between adolescents and children are numerous, and as such, the paper is going to discuss a couple of those that are fundamental. Childhood is the period between birth and nine years whereas adolescence is the period between thirteen to nineteen years. Compared to children, adolescents develop stronger muscles which enable them to carry heavier loads. The muscles help the adolescents to undertake strenuous physical activities such as throwing stuff or running, activities which are challenging and miniaturized in children. Additionally, the muscles allow the adolescents to practice as well as master new physical activities better than the children. The capabilities brought about by the increased muscles also allow for more complex movements and activities such as dancing and playing games such as football or basketball (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2015).
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Compared to children whose cognitive abilities are greatly diminished and can only control simple motor functions, adolescents have more developed cognitive abilities. Elaborately, the adolescents’ thoughts become more abstract and subsequently reason better and become more intellectually curious. In addition, the adolescents are able to understand and differentiate between what is real and what is hypothetical. Notably, both the adolescent boys and girls at the early age of adolescence begin to comprehend the meaning of humor, metaphors, and double meanings. The cognitive development allows them to be self-conscious and subsequently realize their strengths as well as weaknesses in their personal lives as well as the learning environment. In childhood, the cognitive development is minimal, and as such, the children follow whatever their parents tell them. However, in adolescents, the rapid cognitive development lays the platform for them to reject their parents’ values while they test and develop their values and principles leading to character development (Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 1999).
Conclusion
Development is a crucial process in an individual’s growth to adulthood. As such, children and adolescents should be supported and cared for as the stage they are in is the most critical in deciding character and behavior in adulthood.
References
Boys and Girls Clubs of America. (1999). Developmental Characteristics of Youth. Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Web. Retrieved from http://www.bgcgrandrapids.org/uploads/files/Youth_Development_Characteristics.pdf
Kail, R.V., & Cavanaugh, J.C. (2015). Human Development: A Life-span View. Cengage Learning, ISBN-13: 9781305630505. Print.
