Physiological Development-
Introduction
"My, you have changed so much since I saw you last!" This often heard phrase underscores the fact that physiological changes in humans are usually the most visible. From birth through young adulthood, when we reach our physical peak, the body undergoes a huge amount of change. However, the body is in a constant arc of physiological change through our entire lives as we age. This week we will examine the body's physical development process throughout the lifespan.
Objectives-
This week you will:
- Discuss what the environmental risk factors are and their potential impact on development and well-being
- Identify key physiological development stages
- Explain the effects of poverty and malnutrition on the growth and development of the individual
Required Resources-
Media- Accessible player
Readings- Course Text: Kail, R. V., & Cavanaugh, J. C. (2016). Human development: A life-span view. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
-Chapter 3, "Tools for Exploring the World: Physical, Perceptual, and Motor Development"
Section 3.1, "The Newborn"
Section 3.3, "Moving and Grasping: Early Motor Skills"
Section 3.4, "Coming to Know the World: Perception"
Section 3.5, "Becoming Self-Aware"
-Chapter 6, "Off to School: Cognitive and Physical Development in Middle Childhood"
Section 6.5, "Physical Development"
-Chapter 8, "Rites of Passage: Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence"
Section 8.1, "Pubertal Changes"
Section 8.2, "Health"
-Chapter 10, "Becoming an Adult: Physical, Cognitive, and Personality Development in Young Adulthood"
Section 10.2, "Physical Development and Health"
-Chapter 13, "Making It in Midlife: The Biopsychosocial Challenges of Middle Adulthood"
Section 13.1, "Physical Changes and Health"
-Chapter 14, "The Personal Context of Later Life: Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Issues"
Section 14.2, "Physical Changes and Health"
At each stage of life, humans experience some sort of physical change. From the growth of early childhood, to the physical decline of old age, we are all actively engaged in the continual process of aging. In this week's textbook readings, you will be exploring the arc of human aging from birth to late adulthood.
Websites - National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Zero to three. Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org
The first 3 years of life are critically important to human development. Much of this early development sets the stage for how long and how well we live our lives. Zero to Three is a nonprofit organization that works to support medical professionals, policy makers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.
Optional Resources - Media
- Video: TED. (Producer). (2004, February). Dean Ornish on healing [Web Video]. Retrieved fromhttps://www.ted.com/talks/dean_ornish_on_healing.html
- Video: PBS. (Producer). (2007, January). NOVA science now: Aging [Web Video]. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/aging.html
Application Assignment
Instructions
Application: Physiological Development Educational Handout
You are a health professional who is developing an educational handout for your local Women's, Infants, and Children (WIC) office and the March of Dimes. The handout will be used to help new parents understand the human development process and care for their child.
To prepare for this Application Assignment, review the Learning Resources for the week, including the presentation Dr. Nina Lyon-Bennett and Dr. John C. Cavanaugh, the readings from Chapter 3, and the information on the Zero to Three website.
To complete this Application Assignment, write a 1- to 2-page handout for new parents that identifies key physiological stages of development by age group from birth to three years. (Note: Do NOT repurpose existing handouts or copy and paste information from another source. Your work should be original). Include information and examples which help to explain the effects of poverty and malnutrition on the growth and development of children. Be sure your handout is easy to read and can be understood by the general population. If you use images, make sure these are not copyrighted and are culturally diverse and appropriate. Be sure to cite and reference any supporting documentation at the end of your document.
Your written assignments must follow APA guidelines. Refer to the Essential Guide to APA Style for Walden Students to ensure your in-text citations and reference list are correct.