Definitions and characteristics of development including physical, social, emotional and intellectual

Question 1

Physical Development

Answer 1

Definition: Changes that occur to the body and it’s systems.

Characteristics:
- Growth (females 16kg in weight, 16cm in height, males 20kg in weight and 20cm in height)
- Changes to body systems (Reproductive system, building bone density, increase in muscle mass (males), hips widening (females), brain structure)
-Motor skill development (Arms and legs are proportionate to the rest of the body, coordination improves

Question 2

Social Development

Answer 2

Definition: Refers to the increasing complexity of behavior patterns used in relationships with other people.

Characteristics:
- Behaviors (how individuals act around others)
- Social roles (Each role has a set of behaviors/ skills/ expectations)
-Relationship skills (knowing how to behave in a relationship and what is expected)
- Communication skills (Can be verbal, written, body language, and sign language, important to be effectively understood.)

Question 3

Emotional Development

Answer 3

Definition: Experiencing the full range of emotions and being able to properly express them.

Characteristics:
- Self-concept (Deeper understanding of who they are/identity, generally less concerned with what others think)
- Experiencing the full range of emotions (Solving own problems without help of parents = satisfaction or despair, accept emotions as a result of responsibility, experience emotions associated with intimacy (love, lust))
- Appropriate ways to deal with emotions (recognize emotions when they arise, how to adequately express their feelings in words)
Building resilience (greater resilience, coping strategies built upon i.e. positive self-talk to overcome disappointment).

Question 4

Intellectual Development

Answer 4

Definition: The increase in complexity of processes in the brain, such as thought, knowledge and memory.

Characteristics:
- Knowledge and memory (focus on future, complex concepts learnt at school, understand how they learn best)
- Thought patterns and problem solving (information processed more efficiently, can see problems that were once black and white, hypothetical solutions created and best option evaluated, reasoning skills refined, distinguish between fact and opinion)
- Language (increase in skills related to vocabulary, grammar and use of language, developed through reading, communication and exposure to media)