User:Gangloffp

Age Appropriateness in Development The concept of age appropriateness as it pertains to developmental psychology is the description of what is and is not appropriate behavior for specific age groups of human beings. There are 12 stages of human development. 1. Pre-birth 2. Birth 3. Infancy (ages 0-3) 4. Early Childhood (ages 3-6) 5. Middle Childhood (ages 6-8) 6. Late Childhood (ages 9-11) 7. Adolescence (ages 12-20) 8. Early Adulthood (ages 20-35) 9. Midlife (ages 35-50) 10. Mature Adulthood (ages 50-80) 11. Late Adulthood (Age 80+) 12. Death & Dying Depicting this topic can be difficult. It is important that individuals behave appropriately to their expected actions that are considered the norm of their age. For example it is appropriate behavior for an adolescent (ages 12-20) to be extremely passionate about their sexual, emotional, or cultural growth rather than an infant (ages 0-3). Another example is an infant wearing a diaper being deemed appropriate rather than an early adult (ages 20-35). One of the biggest influences that children have at an early age is their parent, or guardian of some sort. Learning the principles of life is solely based on what we are taught at a younger age for what society deems appropriate. Influences enhance exposure to life. For example, children with lower socioeconomic status may behave differently than a child that is the same age with a higher educational background. There are countless numbers of resources that allow us access to what is appropriate behavior such as the internet, the media, education, denomination, federal laws, etc. Behavioral situations may seem appropriate to some and not to others based on cultural background. Age is not always a factor in what is and is not labeled appropriate. The Catholic Church does not condone sexual conduct prior to marriage no matter what the age a person may be. However, individuals with different spiritual beliefs may consider pre-marital sex as appropriate behavior. As people grow in their development there is expectancy for a sense of maturity that comes with it. Humans develop their levels of maturity as they age. This idea relates to the concept of developing a better sense of appropriate behavior. Typically, an adult is expected to have higher levels of maturity than an adolescent, thus behave at a higher manor. People often target individuals of early development rather than adulthood when discussing age appropriateness in developmental psychology. However, it is important to note that adults are the ones that set the bar for these standards. Professionals of developmental psychology are a primary source for breaking down issues such as age appropriateness. Furthermore, in order to educate others on information you must have reached a certain age to receive a higher education (adulthood). It would be considered more appropriate for an adult that is a certified professional rather than a child or adolescent to educate others on topics of such precision. As a society, we expect people to behave appropriately for their age. Expectations are necessary for progression in growth and human development.