WHAT IS A DEVELOPMENT TASK?

- is one that arises predictably and consistently at or about

a certain period in the life of the individual (Havighurst, 1948,
1953). The concept of developmental tasks assumes that human
development in modern societies is characterized by a long
series of tasks that individuals have to learn throughout their
lives. In simpler terms, it is the broad “jobs” of childhood that
need to be accomplished in each stage in order for children to
learn life skills at the appropriate times. Some of these tasks are
located in childhood and adolescence, whereas others arise
during adulthood and old age.

ADOLESCENCE
is the transitional period when a child begins to grow into a
young adult and experiences many physical, behavioral,
cognitive, emotional, and social developmental changes.
There are three stages of adolescence: •Early adolescence (10 to
13 years) •Middle adolescence (14 to 17 years) •Late
adolescence (18 to 21 years and beyond).

EARLY ADOLESCENCE (10 to 13 years)

• Puberty begins in this stage
•Children experience considerable physical growth and
increased sexual interest which can be uncomfortable for some
pre-teens and teens.
• Body changes such as hair growth under the arms and near the
genitals, breast development in females and enlargement of the
testicles in males, starts to occur
• Body changes can cause both curiosity and anxiety
• Children may question their gender identity during this stage,
and it can be a challenging time for transgender children
• Pre-teens and teens begin to assert more independence as they
move through the stages of adolescence. This means they may
rebel, especially when parents reinforce rules and set limits.
• Children of this age group often have an increased need for
privacy, another sign of wanting more independence and less
supervision.
• It’s common for pre-teens to become more focused on
themselves, or a bit egocentric. Their thoughts and feelings are
centered on themselves, making them self-conscious.
• At this point in adolescence, children have a very “black-and-
white” thought process. Something is either right or wrong, with
no room for other interpretation. They see things as either
amazing or awful, rarely ever just “okay.”

MIDDLE ADOLESCENCE (14-17 YEARS)

• Most males will have started their growth spurt, and puberty
related changes continue and as for females their physical
changes are near competition.
• Many teens become interested in romantic and sexual
relationships.
• Many teens (if not all) goes through their rebellious phase
• Teens of all genders develop some maturity during this period.

LATE ADOLESCENCE (18-21)

• Late adolescents generally have completed their physical
development and grown to their full adult height.
• They usually have more impulse control by now and may be
better able to gauge risks and rewards accurately.
• Different from middle adolescents, youth in late adolescence
weigh their decisions more on thinking about the risk rather than
the benefits and emotions.
• Teens this age has a stronger sense of their own individuality
and can identify their own values.
• They may/are more focused on the future and base decisions
on their hopes and ideals.
• They become more emotionally and physically separated from
their family, while many choose to reestablish an adult
relationship with their parents, considering them more on an
equal from whom to seek advice and discuss mature topics with,
rather than an authority figure.

THE 5 ASPECTS OF HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT

• Physical – It is about growing and developing the physical

body.

• Cognitive – It involves the development of language,

thinking skills and mental processes. It is how children
acquire knowledge and learn concepts.

• Social – The ability to communicate well with others, form

healthy relationships and develop healthy social skills.

• Psychological – It is about the child forming a healthy

concept of self, learning to express feelings and regulate
emotions, and build emotional intelligence.
 • Spiritual – Involves developing an internal set of morals
and values, as well as a personality and view of the self.

PITFALLS AND CHALLENGES OF ADOLESCENCE

● Using and abusing drugs

● Being addicted to computer games

● Running away from home

● Being sexually promiscuous

● Becoming a teenage parent

● Being depressed and committing suicide

Another challengesl that you may encounter is depression.

According to the diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, fifth edition (DSM 5 ed), at least five of the
following symptoms represent a change in the individuals
functioning life.

● Depressed mood of the day

● Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost

all, activities most of the day
● Significant weight loss or weight gain, or decrease or
increase in appetite nearly every day
● Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day

● Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

● Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate

guilt nearly every day
● Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or
indecisiveness, nearly every day
● Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation
without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific
plan for committing suicide

STRATEGIES TO COPE WITH CHALLENGES

• Learn to accept what you feel.

• Identify your vulnerabilities.

• Develop your talents and interest.

• Seek help when needed.