Human Growth

• Teratogen


  Any agent that can cause or raise the risk for a birth defect in a baby. They are things that a mother may be exposed to during her pregnancy.
• Attachment


  An affectionate two way relationship that exists between the child and its primary caregiver. Attachment is the close bond with a caregiver from which the infant derives a sense of security. The formation of attachments in infancy has been the subject of considerable research as attachments have been viewed as an important foundation for future relationships.
• Puberty


  The period of development during which a child's body matures into an adult capable of reproduction. It is typically marked by the onset of sexual maturation, characterized by changes such as the growth of secondary sexual characteristics, the maturation of reproductive organs, and hormonal changes. Puberty usually begins around the ages of 8 to 13 in girls and 9 to 14 in boys, although the timing can vary widely among individuals.
• Imaginary Audience


  A psychological concept introduced by developmental psychologist David Elkind in 1967. It describes a cognitive distortion commonly experienced by adolescents where they believe that they are constantly being observed, scrutinized, and judged by others, even when this is not the case. This phenomenon can contribute to adolescents' self-conscious behaviours, desire for conformity, and reluctance to take risks or express themselves freely.
• Ageing


  The process of growing older or maturing, typically characterized by physical, psychological, and social changes that occur over time. These changes can include a decline in physical abilities, changes in cognitive function, alterations in social roles and relationships, and shifts in emotional well-being.
• Elder abuse


  A single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person or violates their human and civil rights.
• Stages of Pregnancy


  1. Germinal Stage (2 weeks after conception)

  2. Embryonic Stage (end of germinal stage to 2 months after conception)

  3. Foetal Stage (2 months after conception until birth)
• Reasons why first trimester is critical


  • Organ Development
  • Risk of Miscarriage
  • Implantation
  • Vulnerability to Teratogens
  • Formation of Placenta
• Attachment Styles (Mary Ainsworth)


  • Secure
  • Avoidant
  • Ambivalent (Resistant)
• Factors that promote attachment


  • Responsive and sensitive caregiving
  • Consistent and predictable caregiving
• Identity vs Role Confusion (Erik Erikson)


  The adolescent period of life when the teenager is establishing their personal identity, their sense of who they are and their role in life. If they can reconcile these issues they will develop a feeling of identity. If they cannot, role confusion can occur which may lead the adolescence to feel unsure about themselves or their place in society.
• Parkinson's Disease


  • Tremors
  • Bradykinesia
  • Rigidity
  • Social/emotional changes such as depression and anxiety or Parkinson's related dementia as the disease progresses
• Dementia


  A broad term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty with communication, impaired reasoning and judgment, disorientation, and changes in mood or behaviour.
• Features of Dementia


  • Memory loss
  • Cognitive decline
  • Changes in behaviour and mood
  • Physical changes as the disease progresses
• Stages of Dementia Progression


  1. Early Stage (Mild Dementia)

  2. Middle Stage (Moderate Dementia)

  3. Late Stage (Severe Dementia)
• Physical impact of dementia


  Impaired motor function leading to difficulties with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills, affecting independence and quality of life
• Social impact of dementia


  Social withdrawal and isolation due to difficulties with communication, memory loss, and changes in behaviour, resulting in feelings of loneliness and strain on relationships with family and friends