Child, Adolescent and Adult Development

Question 1

List and explain Piaget’s stages

Answer 1

Sensorimotor (0-2): discovering through sensory exploration
Preoperational (2-7): use of language and symbols, producing internal representations of the world
Concrete operational (7-12): logical reasoning about concrete concepts
Formal operational (12+): abstract and hypothetical reasoning

Question 2

How might anxiety manifest itself symptomatically in early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence?

Answer 2

Early childhood: separation anxiety
Middle childhood: specific fears/phobias
Adolescence: social anxiety, generalised anxiety

Question 3

How might depression manifest itself symptomatically in early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence?

Answer 3

Early childhood: tantrums, quick mood changes
Middle childhood: irritability, somatic complaints, school refusal
Adolescence: sleep and appetite disturbances, hopelessness, suicidal idealation

Question 4

List 6 risk factors for abnormal child development

Answer 4

Poverty
Harsh or inconsistent parenting
Family violence
Exposure to trauma
Single parent family
Poor parental mental health

Question 5

List 4 protective factors for healthy child development

Answer 5

“Easy” temperament
Positive stable relationship with an adult other than parents
High intelligence
Positive parenting

Question 6

What are the 6 “big risks” to adolescents as identified by the CDC?

Answer 6

Unintentional injuries/accidents
Intentional injuries (including violence, suicide)
Risky sexual behaviours
Substance use
Unhealthy diet
Inadequate physical activity

Question 7

What is the leading cause of injury amongst 12-24 year olds?

Answer 7

Injury (predominantly transport accidents and suicide)

Question 8

Approximately what % of adolescents are living with chronic illness?

Answer 8

~10-15%