Course Overview

• Course Title: SLT 402 Biological, Psychological and Social Changes Across the Lifespan

• Lecturer: Katy Williams

• Institution: Prifysgol Wrecsam Wrexham University

Session Learning Outcomes

• Understand the biological, psychological, and social changes from infancy to adolescence.

• Learn how to use library/resources for further reading on the subject.

Key Terminology

• Biological: Physical and sensory development/changes.

• Psychological: Behavioral and emotional development/changes.

• Social: Relationships and environment.

Physical Changes in Adolescence

• Growth: Adolescents can grow 3-6 inches per year, with girls reaching peak height by 16 and boys by 18-20.

• Joint Development: Achieves coordination levels similar to adults; girls' joints mature earlier than boys'.

• Muscle Development: Increased strength, with boys showing greater muscle mass due to hormone differences.

• Endurance: Heart and lungs increase in size, resulting in lower heart rates and improved physical capacity.

Puberty

• Defined as the attainment of reproductive/sexual maturity.

• Hormonal changes initiated by the pituitary gland leading to increased production of androgens, estrogen, and testosterone.

• Major changes include the development of sex organs and physical growth spurts related to hormone influences.

Sexual Development in Adolescents

Girls

• Early changes include breast and pubic hair development, followed by the start of menstruation.

Boys

• Early changes in genital development, with the first ejaculation occurring between 13-14 years.

• Following changes include increased facial hair and adult-level sperm production.

Psychological Changes in Adolescence

• Identity Formation (James Marcia): Involves crisis and commitment, explored through resources like videos on Marcia’s Identity Statuses.

Kohlberg’s Moral Development

• Case Study: Heinz dilemma regarding theft for saving a life, showcasing moral reasoning stages.

• Stages:

  • Level 1: Preconventional: Focus on punishment and self-interest.

  • Level 2: Conventional: Emphasis on social expectations and maintaining law and order.

  • Level 3: Postconventional: Understanding of social contracts and ethical principles.

Social Changes in Adolescence

• Peer Groups (Dunphy, 1963): Found in cliques and crowds that evolve through adolescence.

• Parental Relationships: Balancing independence with relatedness; quality of attachment correlates with well-being.

• Characteristics of Friendships: Importance of stability, intimacy, and social skills development.

Romantic Relationships

• Development typically begins around age 15.

• Factors influencing relationships include cultural background and peer influence.

• Variations exist in comfort and awareness of sexual orientation among adolescents.

Changes in Adulthood

Age Ranges

• Early Adulthood: 20-40 years

• Middle Adulthood: 40-65 years

• Late Adulthood: 65-death.

Physical Changes in Early Adulthood

• Ongoing brain development with two growth spurts and gradual volume loss.

Mental Health

• Influenced by factors such as environment and lifestyle choices.

Physical Changes in Middle Adulthood

• Notable changes include climacteric for both sexes, fertility decline, and menopause.

Psychological Changes in Early Adulthood

• Career development influenced by personal and external factors. Stages include growth, exploration, establishment, and maintenance.

Social Changes in Early Adulthood

• Focus on romantic relationships, parenthood, and career development.

• Shift to independent living, including new living arrangements and relationships with family involved.

Social Changes in Late Adulthood

• Impact of relationships on life satisfaction, including friendships and community engagement.

Importance for Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs)

• Understanding lifespan changes crucial for effective practice.

Assignment Information

• Submission: Details provided on Moodle, including deadlines and support contacts.

References

• Boyd, D. & Bee, H. (2019). Lifespan Development. 8th Edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.

• Kim E (2016). James Marcia’s Adolescent Identity Development. Available here

• OxfordSparks (2017). Brain Development in Teenagers. Available here