ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

Adolescent development in Poland

Adolescent development in Poland

Introduction

The beginning of human adolescence is marked by a growth spurt. This spurt usually happens at the age of 12 for girls and is accompanied by numerous physical changes (e.g., the development of breasts and growth of pubic hair, onset of menstruation). For boys, this growth spurt begins generally at the age of 14, also accompanied by a multitude of physical changes (e.g., enlarging testes, pubic hair, facial hair, first ejaculation, voice deepening). By the end of adolescence, females are menstruating and males are producing live sperm, signifying sexual maturity. Adolescence is also marked by various psychological changes and challenges. Young people develop abstract thinking abilities and a clearer sense of psychological (and ethnic) identity, and they advance in their moral reasoning. Independence from parents and peer groups become important concerns. Peer groups usually have a positive effect when providing emotional support and can at times be more important than parents. Several developmental stage models have addressed the importance of adolescence in human development. In Sigmund Freud's model, adolescence marks the "genital phase" of psychosexual development, while for Jean Piaget, who focused on cognitive development, it is the "formal-operative stage." Erik Erikson, in his theory of psychosocial development, identified the identity crisis as the central aspect of adolescence.

Adolescence, while a fundamentally healthy time in an individual's life, is also associated with an increase in unhealthy and/or risky behaviors that are associated with poor health outcomes later in life. Adolescence is marked by an increase in sedentary behaviors and the development of unhealthy eating habits, as well as experimentation with risky situations such as drug use and unprotected sexual activity. This paper will shed light on adolescence with specific regard to Poland. The paper will shed light on three issues from the cultural perspective of Poland in particular. Firstly, the paper will discuss and analyze the parents' role in the formation of their adolescent children's health habits. Secondly, the paper will highlight the cultural relevance given to the physical changes that occur as a child's body becomes capable of reproduction; in the context of Poland. Finally, the discussion will move to shed light on gender-specific characterization of adolescence; as it is present in Poland.

Discussion & Analysis

The culture of Poland is closely connected with its intricate 1000 year history. Its unique character developed as a result of its geography at the confluence of Western and Eastern Europe. With origins in the culture of the Proto-Slavs, over time Polish culture has been profoundly influenced by its interweaving ties with the Germanic, Latinate and Byzantine worlds as well as in continual dialog with the many other ethnic groups and minorities living in Poland (Heale, 2005). The people of Poland have traditionally been seen as hospitable to artists from abroad and eager to follow cultural and artistic trends popular in other countries. In the 19th and 20th centuries the Polish focus on cultural advancement often took precedence over political and economic ...