Assignment Code: MSW-012/TMA/2022-23

Course Code: MSW-012

Assignment Name: Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges

Year: 2022-2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer all the five questions. All questions carry equal marks. Answer to question no. 1 and 2 should not exceed 600 words each.

Q1) Define the meaning of human development and explain its different domains?

Ans) The term development refers to a person's progress during the course of their lifetime. The term development refers to the systematic and sequential changes that take place over time as an organism progresses from conception to death. It is a process in which the psychological processes aroused by the mare and the internal physiological changes are combined in a way that allows the individual to master additional and novel environmental stimulations.

Both biologically programmable internal processes that take place throughout development and processes that occur during an organism's interactions with its environment change the organism. Making it possible for people to adapt to their surroundings is the aim of development. No matter how long or short the entire lifespan, it is typically divided into phases or stages, each of which is distinguished by particular behavioural or developmental traits.

According to Hurlock B, the ten periods that make up the stages of life are as follows:

1. Conception until delivery is the prenatal period.

2. Infantile: from birth until the end of the second week.

3. Early childhood: from the second week through the second year.

4. Between two and six years old.

5. Late childhood: ages 6 through 10 or 12.

6. Preadolescence or puberty: 10, twelve, thirteen, or fourteen years.

7. Teenage years, from thirteen or fourteen to eighteen.

8. Early adulthood: between the ages of 18 and 40

9. Between the ages of forty and sixty

10. Sixty years until death is old age.

Not all people go through all of these stages, and not all people reach them at the same time. However, there are issues with each level that must be resolved before the person can move on to the next. Inaction leads to immaturity and ineffective adjustment.

Domains of Human Development

Physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development are among the areas of human growth.

1. Physical Development: It involves physical changes that take place in a person's body, including as variations in their height, weight, brain, heart, and other organ systems, as well as skeletal, muscular, and neurological characteristics that influence their motor skills. The most noticeable growth is probably the physical kind. Although there are differences in height, weight, sensory abilities, and other physical development areas, the development and growth pattern of the kid is essentially the same for all new-borns. Numerous factors, including prenatal care and the environment, affect biological development. Mother's health has a big impact on the health of the child.

2. Cognitive Development: Changes in sensation, perception, memory, thought, reasoning, and language are all examples of changes in mental activity that are considered to be part of cognition. The cognitive domain is concerned with memory, perception, attention, and learning. Psychological and emotional growth: This entails adjustments to a person's feelings, relationships, and personality. The psychological field is concerned with how well a person fits into their surroundings. The process of adjustment is crucial to an organism's survival.

3. Social Development: It focuses on learning how to connect appropriately with others and adjust to individuals. The social domain includes changes to social institution-level factors like personality analysis, relationship development, and social skills. Each domain interacts with and is impacted by the others.

Q2) Explain the characteristics of Old age.

Ans) The following issues must be addressed through multifaceted strategies that involve a variety of stakeholders, including family, community, state, and civil society groups as well as the elderly themselves:

Health

1. The physical part of ageing, or appearance, is where changes are most noticeable. Greying hair, wrinkled skin, a hunched posture, and other alterations are present. In most civilizations, beauty and charm are associated with youth according to cultural norms.

2. The body gets more prone to illness as it ages. Lifestyle-related diseases are becoming prevalent, along with numerous age-related degenerative illnesses. Modern cultures are defined by an imbalance brought on by too much work and stress, fierce rivalry, the need to meet deadlines, a lack of exercise, emotional eating, and a lack of downtime.

3. A lot of myths and preconceptions about the ageing process have emerged as a result of this normal decline in physiological function. Individuals are afraid of getting older since it causes numerous deteriorating physical changes, and occasionally this anxiety results in a subliminal level of hatred for older people.

4. Age-related mental health issues are biological as well as functional in nature. The contact of older people with their significant others is less friendly due to rigidity of behaviour and an increased tendency to be introverted. Some of the frequent mental health issues seen in elderly persons are loneliness, alienation, insomnia, stress and tension, and fear of death.

5. The health state of older people varies greatly, and a number of variables, including heredity, lifestyle, attitude toward health, personality type, socioeconomic level, former job profile, and other elements like life experiences, play significant roles. The health of young-old, middle-old, and old-old, aged people varies significantly.

6. Elderly persons are more likely to fall and lose their balance, which increases their risk of fractures, accidents, and disability. Disability prevalence is also increased due to the body's significantly diminished ability to mend.

Social Situation

1. A considerable portion of the population is now living into old age as a result of demographic change known as population ageing.

2. Another demographic trend known as feminization of ageing suggests that women are outnumbering men in the older age group because women have longer life expectancies than men. It indicates that women's faces are being affected by the ageing process.

3. The socioeconomic status of old women is marked by spousal abuse in the majority of third-world nations, including India, and discrimination in access to education, income, food, meaningful job, health care, property ownership, social security measures, and political influence.

4. When a person reaches old age, they typically have plenty of leisure time, but fewer energy and resources. Aged persons face a huge issue in making use of their spare time, but so do families, governments, and organisations of civil society.

Economic Security

1. Age frequently lowers income and heightens financial vulnerability.

2. In India, almost two-thirds of the elderly are either homeless or on the verge of being destitute due to economic hardship.

3. In today's society, older parents are more frequently dependent on their offspring for their maintenance, particularly in families with middle- and lower-income levels, and as a result, their once-high standing has diminished.

4. Children moving away in search of work abandon elderly parents and leave them economically and socially insecure.

5. In India, elderly women are frequently financially dependent on their male family members and hardly ever own property. They belong to one of the older population's most economically challenged categories.

6. Elderly parents who are economically dependent on their children are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

7. Intergenerational relationships might become strained as a result of rising medical costs and providing healthcare for senior family members.

Q3) Answer any two of the following questions in about 300 words each: 10x2

a) Explain the physical hazards in infancy.

Ans) Setting standards for typical development has a significant role for developmental tasks. Anything that prevents somebody from mastering something may be considered a risk. Even though the physical risks associated with infancy are minor, the effects they have on an infant can last for the rest of their lives.

Following are a few of the physical risks listed by Hurlock, H. Bare:

1. Unfavourable Prenatal Environment: Unfavourable perinatal conditions include heavy maternal smoking and protracted, acute maternal stress.

2. Pregnancy Complications: These issues include intrauterine development retardation, toxaemia or preeclampsia, chronic vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. Maternal age, numerous births, inadequate nutrition, disease, drug use, cigarette use, and stress are just a few examples of environmental factors that may have an impact on the outcome of a pregnancy.

3. Birth Complications: Birth complications include anoxia, which occurs when the foetus does not receive enough oxygen during delivery, meconium aspiration, malpresentation, and a protracted labour. Birth problems may require a caesarean section.

4. Multiple Births: Due to prenatal crowding, which restricts the movements of the foetus, children of multiple births are typically smaller and weaker than singletons. These infants frequently have early birth, which exacerbates their adjustment and mental health issues.

5. Post-Maturity: Only when the foetus grows to such a size that giving birth necessitates the use of equipment or surgery is post-maturity dangerous; in these cases, the dangers are caused by the circumstances surrounding the birth rather than post-maturity itself.

6. Prematurity: Prematurity causes the most neonatal deaths. Low birth weight, whether from prematurity or IGR, is a risk factor for new-borns. Neural tube anomalies, chromosomal abnormalities, phenylketonuria, in which the newborn cannot metabolise the amino acid phenylalanine contained in protein, can cause mental retardation and cerebral palsy. Premature babies can have trouble adjusting to their postpartum environment, which can impair their future adaptability.

Due of their long-term impacts, physical risks' timing and intensity are particularly crucial for an individual's development.

b) Discuss about the influencing factors of adolescence behaviour development.

Ans) Adolescent behaviour is significantly impacted by environmental influences. The way in which a person interacts and interacts with their parents, peers, instructors, siblings, and other family members will affect how they behave.

Parent-Child-Relationships

The wellbeing of adolescents depends greatly on the relationship between parents and children. From the following sub points, it is obvious that:

1. Relationships: Teenagers who enjoy close, active relationships with their parents do better academically, are more interested and driven in their studies, have better social skills, and engage in fewer risky sexual behaviours than their peers.

2. Modelling: Teens are more prone to adopt risky behaviours themselves if their parents participate in risky behaviour themselves if their parents exhibit positive behaviour on a variety of fronts.

3. Monitoring/Awareness: Teenagers with less risky physical and sexual behaviour tend to have parents who are aware of their children's activities, friends, and behaviours and who supervise them in age-appropriate ways.

4. Approach to Parenting: Teens are more likely to be motivated and successful in school, as well as psychologically and physically healthy, if their parents are supportive and caring but also continuously monitoring and enforcing family norms.

5. Peer Group: Many adults believe that peers can only have a negative impact, however adolescents frequently have positive influence on one another by either modelling desired behaviours or applying pressure to do so.

6. Siblings: Siblings can serve as role models for both positive and bad behaviours, such as drug use and physical exercise. Adolescents can develop the negotiation and conflict resolution skills essential in other areas of their lives by practising on their siblings.

7. Teachers: Teachers can act as positive role models and provide students with friendship, advice, and support. Social skills that are helpful in a number of circumstances can also be taught by teachers.

8.  Adults: In addition to providing support that might not be accessible at home, adults who act as surrogate family members can set an example, impart social skills, and serve as role models.

Q4) Attempt any four of the following in about 150 words each: 5x4

a) What are the four stages of parenthood?

Ans) Four stages of parenthood were proposed by the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry in 1973:

1. Anticipation: This stage includes the phase of getting ready for the baby's delivery. The pregnant parents consider and make plans for how they will raise a child. They would put themselves in the role of the parents and pretend to be them.

2. Honeymoon: As soon as the first child is born, the second stage of motherhood begins. The parents share their joy at having a kid throughout this brief time, which lasts a few months. They grow an attachment to the infant and learn how to adjust for the child. In this stage, the parents also take on new responsibilities.

3. Plateau: This stage includes all ages from infancy to adolescence. According on their child's growth and development, parents modify their behaviour.

4. Disengagement: The youngster is launched from the family during this stage. The child leaves the household and may start dating or get married, creating a new marital subsystem.

b) Describe Erikson's theory of Psychological development.

Ans) There are eight distinct stages in Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development, each having two potential outcomes. The theory states that a healthy personality and effective interpersonal interactions arise from successfully completing each stage. A lessened capacity to complete subsequent stages and, thus, a more disordered personality and sense of self, might come from failing to finish a stage effectively. Infants completely rely on their carers during infancy, according to Erik Erikson, who described it as the period of trust against mistrust.

Infants must receive appropriate care on a regular basis to feel secure. Infants who have their needs fulfilled consistently in a loving and nurturing way come to believe that the world is secure, that others can be trusted, and that they can be depended upon. Babies are able to form strong social or emotional relationships with their carers thanks to this trust. Babies that experience neglect, rejection, and uneven care come to distrust and dread their environment. These infants grow up with distrust, which can obstruct or postpone cognitive development and prevent progression to later stages.

c) Enlist different parenting skills.

Ans) Parental warmth is the degree to which parents respond positively to their children's behaviour rather than negatively or indifferently. Four main parenting styles develop when the two facets of parenting behaviour are blended in various ways:

1.  Parents who are too demanding and directive are not receptive. They prioritise status and obedience, and they anticipate that their commands will be followed without question.

2. Demanding parents are also receptive to their children's needs. They keep an eye on their kids and set clear expectations for their behaviour. They want their kids to have self-control as well as cooperation, as well as assertiveness and social responsibility.

3. Parents who are indulgent are more receptive than they are demanding. They don't follow convention, are forgiving, allow for reasonable self-regulation, and discourage confrontation.

4. Parents that aren't involved aren't very responsive or demanding. This parenting style might include neglectful and neglecting-rejecting parents in severe circumstances. Each parenting style is more than and distinct from the sum of its parts; it is not a linear mix of responsiveness and demandingness.

d) Explain the stages of emotional development.

Ans) We can see several stages in the emotional development of adolescents if we pay close attention to how they change over time. For instance, during the early adolescent years (12-14), the adolescent develops a new sense of identity, and during the middle adolescent years (14-17), it is developed to self-identity. When it comes to the later adolescent years (17-19), the adolescents are showing some self-reliability and independent decision-making, both of which were lacking during the early adolescent years and the middle adolescent years.

As a result, there is progress being made in every area throughout time. The following domains are good places to look for evidence of these developmental phases in the emotional aspect:

1. Independence.

2. Affect and emotional state

3. Relationships.

4. The outward manifestations of one's body.

5. School, work, and a future profession

6. Relationships of a sexual and romantic nature.

Q5) Write short notes on any five of the following in about 100 words each: 4x5

a) Aggression

Ans) Some kids struggle with aggression in the first few years of pre-school. The most frequent kind of aggression in young children is instrumental, which typically decreases by the age of 6 or 7 while hostile violence correspondingly rises. Younger pre-schoolers will sometimes use instrumental aggression, such as striking, kicking, or shouting, to get what they want. To make up for perceived wrongs or hurts, middle pre-schoolers frequently engage in Hostile Aggression with their peers.

The two types of hostile aggression are overt aggression, which involves inflicting bodily harm on another person or threatening to do so, and relational aggression, which ruins another child's peer connections. Girls typically engage in relational aggressiveness, whereas boys typically display overt aggression. Aggressive behaviour can be influenced by biology, temperament, and bad socialisation experiences in the home or neighbourhood.

b) Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs)

Ans) This is a concern for both male and female adolescents, but generally speaking, girls are more at risk. Teenagers experience a strong want to experiment with their bodies due to the development of secondary sexual traits after adolescence. The adolescent will have numerous emotional issues as a result. Teenagers who originate from emotionally deprived families, live in low-income regions, or who lack social support are more likely to experience this.

The fostering factors of juvenile delinquency in our nation include rapid population growth, a lack of housing and support services, poverty, youth unemployment and underemployment, the erosion of local community authority, overcrowding in impoverished urban areas, the breakdown of the family, and ineffective educational systems.

c) Gender-Identity

Ans) An essential component of the developing self-concept is gender identification. An important developmental job throughout the first six years of life is gender recognition. Sex identifies the biological components of being female or male, while gender refers to the social and psychological dimensions. Gender roles and gender types are important facets of gender. Gender stereotyping teaches children at a young age the behaviours, interests, attitudes, abilities, and attributes that a culture deems proper for males or females.

There aren't many gender distinctions between newborn males and girls. Boys are more aggressive than girls, which is the main gender difference in early life. Girls are more likely to be prosocial, compassionate, and less likely to engage in harmful behaviour. While some cognitive differences show up before preadolescence or later, others do not. Every society assigns particular gender roles to men and women. A young child's experiences with cultural socialisation aid in the development of their gender identification as either masculine or feminine.

d) Socialization in family

Ans) The process of assimilating young infants into the cultural norms of their community is known as socialisation. Socialization is the process of acquiring the traits that responsible, productive members of a society share in terms of habits, abilities, beliefs, behaviours, and motivations. Belsky suggests that the family is a network of interconnected People working as a dynamic system within a cultural framework. Parents are frequently thought of as the main socialising agents for children because they have their early social experiences in the home.

The methods of childrearing and the responsibilities of caregivers differ globally. Self-regulation growth is the first step in socialisation. A child's ability to independently control their behaviour to comply to accepted social norms is known as self-regulation. Children in elementary school improve their self-control. Middle childhood co-regulation growth may have an impact on how a family resolves disputes. Co-regulation is the phase of behaviour management that occurs between broad parental supervision and moment-to-moment self-regulation on the part of the child.

e) Parenting Styles

Ans) The intentional actions taken to ensure children's survival and growth can be referred to as parenting. The combination of a parent's parenting methods and individual personality traits is referred to as their parenting style. Different concepts of parenting style exist. The effectiveness of Diana Baumrind's model of parenting styles, which reflects parietal attitudes and beliefs about their duties as parents and the expectations and standards they hold for their children, is something that has been consistently discussed in the literature. According to Diana Baumrind, parents should establish rules and show affection to their children rather than being harsh or distant with them.