Normal growth and developmentAccording to Santrock (2017) the normal growth and development of adolescence is a time of change for how they think, feel, and interact with others, and how their bodies grow. Some might have concerns about body size, shape, or weight During this time, they develop unique personality and opinions. Their relationships with friends are still important, but they will have other interests as they develop a clearer sense of who they are. This is an important time to prepare for more independence and responsibility.In normal cognitive development they start thinking less about their own life and more about how the world works. This change is a slow process.
They start to set their own goals for the future and make their own decisions. They understand the repercussions of their actions and develop a sense of right and wrong. They make decisions based on following their conscience and have an increasing ability to reason. They make educated guesses and can sort fact from fiction Santrock (2017).Emotional and social changes they might appreciate siblings more and show more independence, and less conflict to parents. They have a greater ability for caring and sharing. They develop more intimate relationships.
Thinking and learning in this age group they might have more work habits, more concern about the future of school or work plans. Be better able to give reasons for their own choices.Observational ProcessFor my research paper I observed a fifteen-year-old male named Mark he stands about 5 feet 8 inches tall and about 130-pounds. His clothes are clean and neat, and he wears shorts no matter what type of weather we are having. He was born 3 months early and has normal physical developments. He rides his bike and jogs the neighborhood. Over the past few months his nutritional habits have changed he was an overweight child wearing a man’s size 42 pant and is now in a size 32. He rarely eats a full meal and if he does will throw it up occasionally.
His emotional development seems to be on the immature side he gets upset easily over little things and throws tantrums to get what he wants. He talks back to his father and grandparents when things do not go his way. He does respect others in school and outside of the home.According to Piaget stages of cognitive development he is in the formal operation stage. He understands that there are consequences when he acts out. He can think creatively and use abstract reasoning. He is very egocentric and because of this has very few friends. He thinks because he lost so much weight so fast that nothing bad will happen if he keeps losing weight.In Erikson’s fourth stage industry vs inferiority
