Changes During Middle Childhood and Adolesence

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Changes During Middle Childhood and Adolescence Leona Stewart PSY/280 February 27, 2013 Arnell Hall Changes During Middle Childhood and Adolescence During middle childhood and adolescence changes occur concerning family and peer relationships that could influence future development. According to Answers.com (2013), growth includes development of language, symbolic thought, logic, emotional awareness, moral sense, empathy, and a sense of identity. According to research, various factors exist that could influence future development. However, for the purpose of this essay, the writer will investigate the following: (1) functional versus dysfunctional families; (2) peer relations; (3) additional pressures, and (4) developing moral values. Different aspects can play an important role in regard to future development during middle childhood and adolescence. This is a time to identify oneself, explore, and gain maturity. Social development is critical during childhood and adolescence and a dysfunctional family may hinder or at times stop normal development. Isolation from parents occurs in a dysfunctional family; this isolation can be either physical or emotional. Without a loving and nurturing environment, sense of self, does not develop, which causes the child to have negative feelings about his or herself. Not developing a sense of self could cause codependency or inadequate relationships as adults. This is in comparison to a functional family where the needs of each individual are met to the best of the family’s ability. Parents take an active role in the child’s life, teaching valuable life skills while leading by example, which helps to achieve socio-emotional milestones. In a healthy environment family is a major social unit that helps an adolescent to develop effectively, psychologically, cognitively, and behaviorally (Martin&

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