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Bell © August 2006 1

Professor Price Dallas Baptist University

Growth and Development Final

• Chapter 10 –How does body image affect attitudes and behaviors of teens?

According to Rauste-von Wright (1989), adolescents from 11-10 experience concerns

with both physical and body image which directly effects their self-esteem, and ideas

about sexual behavior.

Another study conducted by Sussman et al., 2003 espouses the fact that early maturing

boys and girls often experience more psychological stress invariably due to sexual

pressures. Additionally, early maturation also puts this group at odds because they are

not able to discuss body changes with their peers. Based on the previous mentioned

studies, both early and late physical development have both advantages and

disadvantages; however, late physical maturation yields more benefits in the end since

sexual tendencies may be prolonged to later adolescent years.

In teaching middle school, I can see a direct correlation with both studies. For

example, I know several late maturing students whom appear more stable, confident and

focused on school work while early maturing students do appear to engage in more

serious relationships which sometimes lead to sexual advances.

One of the biggest complaints the early maturing girls and boys have stems directly

from relationship issues. During adolescence, kids who mature at an early age feel

somewhat embarrassed.

As an early maturing female, I can recall the implications of the negative pressures.

Most boys were only enamored by body parts, and not necessarily intellect. There was a

certain level of uncertainly as I was not able to talk to many girls who experienced the
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Professor Price Dallas Baptist University
same level of physical maturity. I felt that this caused some disadvantages for me

because I was quiet and I felt somewhat awkward due to early maturation.

In addition, there was an onset of acne problems that were directly related to the early

maturation which caused more disconnected feelings. Some of the acne subsided as

years passed. Eventually, I began to feel more confident as my acne resolved and my

physical appearance eventually matched my peers. Thus, the feelings of awkwardness

eventually dwindled away.

Today, this is still the case with many students. Boys or girls who mature fast often

times pick up extra body fat and this can also make them feel uneasy with their physical

appearance. Not to mention, the TV advertisements and the pressures for both males and

females to look perfect. Today, the pressures are even greater and the only way to cope

is to build a stronger inner personality or spiritual self to manage one’s feelings about

their outer appearance.

• Chapter 11 – What factors contribute to juvenile delinquency?

Juvenile delinquency takes in to account many factors such as identity versus identity

confusion, social reference groups, parenting styles, and parent allies. In the scheme of

things, Erickson’s Psychosocial stages best articulate specific psychosocial stages that

evolve from birth to death.

Erickson’s stages also demonstrates when there are abnormalities during the early

stages those abnormalities may re-surface later as the individual strives to meet social

needs. For example, if a child was sexually abused as early as five years of age, the

identity vs. confusion stage which occurs during adolescent years may bring on the desire

to understand and explore the misunderstood sexual desires. In addition, suppose a child
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observes parents and peers with drug addictions; this too may also lead to an adolescent

who wants to experiment with drugs.

In both cases, there are early influences that were dealt with later as the individual

worked to find psychosocial equilibrium.

How does this all fit together with juvenile delinquency. Delinquent behaviors often

time start early. Warp and perversion often starts early. Poor choices, and negative

decision making often starts early which means juvenile delinquency starts early. Most

teenagers don’t become delinquents over night. They tend to have trouble paths and have

traveled down roads that often times lead to deviant behaviors.

Here is the good news. It is important to have a positive support system in order to

minimize some of the drama that teenagers experience during the identity vs. confusion

stage. I have known a number of individuals that grew up in a bad environment with

parents on drugs, friends on drugs, and not to mention their poor behaviors; yet, through

early interventions such as active church affiliation, boys clubs, a positive mentor, or a

caring teacher or counselor can rehabilitate a not so good situation. While there may be

some that still choose the wrong path, many can be saved with the right amount of

investment.

In the end, many teenagers sometimes loose their way. However, as long as there are

caring people that give back, society will always help correct the ills and the wrongs.

• Chapter 13 – In what ways did attitudes toward sexuality in general change

in the latter 20th century? pg 400

This is a very interesting subject that gives a great deal of credence to Maslow’s

Hierarchy of needs which espouses that individuals must meet certain needs in order to
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reach their ideal state – self actualization. In essence, it means one has to meet

physiological needs, safety needs, love needs, esteem needs, and eventually on to self-

actualization.

Similarly, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory expresses three categories of love i.e.

intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment. During the early 20th century, most

individuals were fixed on commitment with their sexual partner. They believed it was

important to court and date and it was a much more complicated process when sexual

relationships were a part of the relationship. Somehow over the years and with the

introduction of more sexual freedom through the use of technology with birth control and

condoms, people have changed their perspectives on love and relationship. Mostly,

people believe that relationships are formed by first getting to know each other physically

instead of mentally.

In addition, there is a lack of commitment as if society is fixated on the passion stage

of Sternberg’s Triangular Theory. There is a heightened desire to cohabitate rather

marry. People are treating each other like disposable paper towels; they use them up

physically and emotionally and throw away the relationship with little or no cares.

This illegitimate sexual behavior has brought with it many other issues such as an

increased number of single parents, rise in abortions and divorce rates. Not to mention,

people are abandoning emotional commitment and replacing the old traditional courtship

with a casual friendship. What was intended and meant to be an exclusive relationship

that was sanctioned under God became anything other.

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Professor Price Dallas Baptist University
Furthermore, the appropriate marriage age has moved from 16 to 18 to 21 and now on

to late twenties. In some cases, for career minded such as future doctors or lawyers,

marriage may be delayed until early or late thirty’s.

Who knows why sexual behaviors evolved to less or little commitment from partners?

Perhaps, the trend of birth control and condoms along with society on the move seeking

freedom of expression and individuality triggered promicuality. Additionally, this push

for expression and birth control measures perpetuated an attitude that gave some

individual a false sense of security when it came to sex, and having offspring.

Hence, even more reason for people to explore love in all the wrong places and forget

about their values as sex became more readily assessable in this fast paced society.

On the other hand, we must remember that even with the shift from the 20th century to

today there are still individuals who prefer a monogamous relationship with a high level

of commitment, and there are many who practice abstinence until they are married as

well as arranged marriages in certain cultures which are all plusses when it comes to

preserving positive sexual behaviors in today’s society.

In the end, we can’t cave in to the distorted sexual behaviors today. The monster that

today’s media, technology, expression of freedom, and birth control have created can all

be eradicated with the blood of Jesus. No, it is not a perfect world, but yet we can strive

to be Christ like in all our ways.

• Chapter 17 – In what ways is old age very much what an individual makes of it?

Sure old age brings on a decline in physical and mental tenacity. According to

Hedrich & Ryff, 1993, older people will often times compare their health issues to others.
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Additionally Hedrich & Ryff believe that individuals feel better as they acknowledge that

others are worse off physically or mentally.

While this may be true, I have the pleasure of knowing a formidable grandmother who

continues to prove that age is just another number. She is currently 72 years of age and

suffers from diabetes, and failed kidneys.

Yet, somehow through the dialysis, diverticulitis, arthritis, and all of the medicines,

she appears cheery and happy. When we are out on an excursion, she keeps up with the

group and loves to stay on the go. Her efforts to remain in church as well as continue to

participate in family gatherings keeps her moving, and she is forever showing us that a

true heroine never gives in or never gives up.

• Chapter 18 – Evaluate the Hospice service.

Hospice care was first introduced to the United States in the early 1970’s and the big

push was to care for patients rather than cure patients. I have mixed feelings when it

comes to hospice because I know all too well that it depends on the caretaker’s

personality and stamina. Sometimes the hospice nurse is caring and invigorating and

other times he or she may be apathetic or unconcerned.

Recently, my uncle died due to complications from West Nile disease and kidney

failure. He suffered a long time and eventually the hospital told him there was nothing

else they could do. Over time he had a few hospice nurses to come in and assist with

minimal patient care. I say minimal because they would only wipe him down, and give

him some medications. Yet, my uncle required around the care attention.

Who was responsible for his care the rest of the time? Surely, my 72 year old

grandmother was not the one to subscribe to this level of patient care. I don’t know
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where she found the strength to help, but she did. As the hospice nurse would leave, my

grandmother would step in and assume care for my uncle. The other children would

come by and help from time to time. Also, Uncle Johnny would help when he got home

from work. There were not enough hands or hours in a day. Yet, the family pulled

together to make it work.

I do believe hospice does have some benefits, but the program does have a long way

to go as it relates to full patient care. There are some families that lack support and

patients do tend to suffer more because terminal illness requires a great deal of interest

and care.