Human Development for Students in Southern Africa: A combination of Child and Adolescent Development & Adult Development and Ageing

Description

Human Development for Students in South Africa, is a combination of two titles, namely: (1) Child and Adolescent Development (2nd edition), and (2) Adult development and Ageing (2nd edition). (1) Child and Adolescent Development The development of children is one of the most fascinating wonders of life. From the moment conception takes place until the end of adolescence when the person enters the adult world, the developmental road is characterised by numerous miracles and mysteries. In this book, the authors are sharing their training and experience in the field of child psychology, not only as a clinical and counselling psychologist respectively, but also as the proud parents of two children, a grandson and a granddaughter. The target audience of this book is primarily undergraduate students in psychology, education, social work, psychiatry and related disciplines. The nature and extent of Child and Adolescent Development, however, also makes it suitable for use on the postgraduate level (especially where this field was not a focus area in the undergraduate course). Furthermore, the book contains valuable information which will be of interest to anyone who has an interest in child and adolescent development. Child psychology tells you more about your own and your children’s development. In the process, you also acquire a better understanding of other people. However, to be interesting only does not justify the existence of a science. Therefore, it is important to know what the scientific contribution of child psychology is; that is, why we study and research this interesting field. The goals of child psychology are in line with the goals of general psychology: • To describe the changes typically occurring from conception to about 18 years of age. For example: How does the unborn child develop in his or her mother’s womb? How do 2-, 7-, 12- and 16-year-olds differ? How does sexuality develop during puberty and adolescence? • To explain what causes these developmental changes. Which factors could influence the prenatal development of the baby? Which factors could influence a delay in a child’s language or cognitive development? How does peer pressure and bullying affect a child’s self-image? • To predict, based on past and present characteristics, what behaviour the child will manifest at a later stage in his or her life. For example: What is the effect of alcohol and smoking on the unborn child? If a baby starts walking at an early age, does it mean that he or she is likely to become a good athlete? Will the aggressive infant turn into an aggressive teenager? Will the curious child develop into a scientist? (2) Adult development and Ageing Adult development – a life span that could easily be four to five times longer than that of childhood – is an important discipline in its own right. As life expectancy is increasing more rapidly than at any other time in human history, scientific knowledge about adult development and especially ageing will become even more crucial. Some younger students may wonder whether learning about adult development is relevant for them. It definitely is. First, adult development is about the ‘future you’. It is about the remarkable journey most of you have already entered and the fascinating life journey that lies ahead of you. Second, the information in the book should help you to understand all other adults better, including those close to you such as your parents, grandparents, and other older family members. Therefore, we believe that you will not only enjoy studying this book, but also find it enriching. • The target audience of this book is primarily undergraduate students in psychology, education, social work, psychiatry, and related disciplines. However, the nature and extent of Adult Development and Ageing also makes the text suitable for use at postgraduate level (especially where this field was not a focus area in the undergraduate course). Furthermore, the book contains valuable information that will be useful to anyone who has an interest in adult development. • There is a special focus to ageing as an integral part of human development. This special focus on ageing is also the main reason for including it in the title of this book. • The book focuses on the unique South African situation, therefore, local research data and South African examples are included in the book where possible. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT About the pagination of this eBook Publisher's Information V-1 Child and Adolescent Development About the authors Title page Publisher's information and imprint page Dedication Preface List of co-workers Table of Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Index Reference list BACK COVER V-2 Adult Development and Ageing Title Page Publisher's information and imprint Dedication Preface Acknowledgements Important notice Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7 References Back cover