Assignment 1
Physical Abilities Across The lifespan
Hawra A. Al-Zayer
27th Feb, 2013
Psychology
Assignment 1
Table of Contents
Introduction: ................................................................................................................ 3
Body: .......................................................................................................................... 3
Conclusion: ................................................................................................................. 7
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Assignment 1
Introduction:
Many studies on the stages of life have been conducted by various scholars. One
the most important ones has been the studies and observations that were conducted b
Eric Erikson. Life begins as a baby then goes through the stages of childhood, adolescents, adulthood and then the end of adulthood. Each stage comes with its; own characteristics. People need to be aware of what will happen in the different stages of life.
There are several different types of physical abilities at each stage. Every person has the
same stages as life as other people. Our physical ability works hand in hand with our
mental ability. So for this reason we must have a clear understanding of the different
stages so that we better understand ourselves and our children. Research on the human
physical abilities is very important for researchers in order to better understand the need
for knowledge and then in turn educate the public. This report will discuss the three main
stages of life which is childhood, adolescence and adulthood. It will discuss whether or
not environment or heredity have an effect on people.
Body:
Physical Abilities:
Physical abilities are something that everyone must be aware of. The definition
of physical abilities means the ability to perform physical acts that are also at the level of
ones mental ability. Physical abilities never stay the same. They are changing constantly.
The changes can sometimes be positive or sometimes negative. The five senses can some
-times be considered a bad ability. For example if we see something bad we can become
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scared. Erik Erikson feels that everyone must complete the characteristics of each stage in
order to be successful in life. Professor Richard Hanson came to the conclusion that most
people have two ways for their physical abilities. The first one is considered to be the pos
-tive one, which means that a person can do the tasks both physically and mentally and
this results in a type of happiness. The second being the negative one in which an
individual struggles with their abilities and this will lead to problems later in life.
Professor Hanson feels that these obstacles will go away since everyon in life
wants to have a successful and positive life. People generally try to avoid things that
will cause them harm.
Childhood: (Birth-12 years)
The first stage of Erik Erikson’s theory is the essential needs of a baby being met
by the parents. Babies depend on their mother and father for everything. The understanding of a baby’s surroundings or environment is going to be through the parents. Also, the
way parents interact with their baby has a very big influence on the baby. This is where
the children can either build a trust or mistrust. If parents don’t give the proper support,
comfort, and care to their child, this can lead to mistrust. And once mistrust is instilled
feelings of withdrawl, a lack of self confidence, frustration and suspicion begin. Between
the ages of 2 -4 years old, children begin to want to explore their environment. Parents
must do their part to protect the child and let the child have a feeling of security. Children
like to attempt new challenges. However, if the parents are overly strict, this will result
in the child developing a sense of doubt and be afraid of trying new challenges. They begin to feed themselves, use the toilet, take baths and dress themselves independently. The
adults who are taking care of the children must encourage this independence. Parents
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shouldn’t rush this form of independence. It will come naturally.
Adolescence: (13-19 years old)
Many young adolescences suffer for the long old question , “Who Am I and What
Can I Be?” Their appearance is a new concern to them. They are very concerned with
their appearance and how they appear to others. Later on in the adolescent years, this is
when they start to develop their occupational identity. Sometimes adolescences feel some
frustration and confusion as to how they fit into society. This is a turning point
for people in which they are transitioning into adult life and what everyone will
expect from them. It is very normal for adolescences to go through a type of “Identity
Confusion”. But those around the struggling youth generally give space for them to
find themselves. Erikson feels that if given the right conditions, which means having
enough space and time, and can freely experiment and explore, will emerge with a firm
sense of identity and a deep awareness of who they are. Adolescences tend to be more
prone to having conflicts or disagreements with adults. They have their own theories
and opinions and generally aren’t opened to others opinion or show much respect for
it. Adolescenc is also the time that most young people start becoming attracted to the
opposite sex.
Adulthood (20+ years old)
At this stage of our lives, all the problems of adolescences have pretty much
disappeared. Erikson believes at this stage that intimacy vs. isolation. He states that
many people choose their mate and are so concerned with pleasing them that they may
actually start to shun their family and friends. They are scared of breakups. Then after
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passing through these stages, they enter into middle life or what is better known as
“Middle Age Adulthood” which generally ranges between the ages of 25-64. This stage
of life is where people generally put all of their focus and energy into their family, relationships, work and community. They feel a strong sense of responsibility towards
doing their part to prepare and guide the future generation. The central tasks of middle
adulthood usually consists of the following:
-Develop and stick to a healthy lifestyle
-Work on creating a happy, comfortable home
-Become closer to their mate
-To help children and grown children become responsible and productive adults
-Learn to like all their children’s friends
-Let grown children make their own decisions
-Use free time more structurally
-Accept the physical changes of middle ages
-Become more active with taking care of elderly parents
-Be proud of all the family’s accomplishments including those of their mate’s and own
-Attain social and mature responsibility
The late stage of adulthood which is over 65 years old has its own characteristics too.
They tend to always question themselves as to if they were OK with being who they are
and were. They need a sense of satisfaction when reflecting back on their lives and
accomplishments. Many people look to people of this stage as being full of wisdom from
their life’s experience.
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Gender
3 site
7 site
BMI
Body Cir.
Male
.80
.88
.69
.60
Female
.76
.83
.70
.63
Conclusion:
Erikson was a student of Sigmund Freud. Those there are many who criticized
his work, he is still considered to be a scholar with his theories. The human being is very
difficult to figure out. Yet Erikson breaks down the stages so that anyone is capable of
understanding. After reading his material, you will have a better understanding as to what
happens during life’s stages. This will help us to better understand other people. It will
also help up to raise our children better.
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References:
1- Fraser, T.M. (2004). Physical Best Activity Guide, Fitness for Work Company
2- http://web.cortland. Edu/andersmd/ERIK/welcome.HTML
3- Slater, Charles L. (2003), “Generativity versus stagnation: An elaboration
of erikson’s adult stage of human development”, Journal of Adult Development 10
(1) : 53-65
Psychology