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Developmental Psychology - Physical, Cognitive Development 17–45

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    Study Guide Developmental Psychology – Physical, Cognitive Development: 17 – 45 1. Health: Age 17 – 45 Young adulthood is a time of peak health and fitness . People in their 20s and 30s often have high endurance, stamina, and energy . Many feel physically strong and mentally sharp during these years. However, health doesn’t stay perfect forever. By the late 30s and 40s, some physical limitations and health concerns start to appear. With healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle choices , many people maintain their physical and mental vitality well into their 40s and beyond. 1.1 Common Health Problems Even in young adulthood, some health issues can occur: • Chronic conditions: Arthritis, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, ulcers. • Hidden problems: Heart and lung issues, liver disease, atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), kidney problems. These may exist without obvious symptoms. • Other concerns: Disabilities and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also affect young adults. 1.2 Disabilities Physical disabilities are conditions that can make daily life more challenging. They may be: • Present at birth (like absence of a vital organ). • Developed during childhood (such as deafness). • Caused by injury or illness later (like spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis).

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    Study Guide Common disabilities in adults include cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, spinal injuries, and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes. Developmental disabilities involve below - average intellectual functioning and limited social or life skills, starting before age 18. Individuals with developmental disabilities often have an IQ of 70 or less and may need extra support to live independently. Psychiatric disabilities involve emotional or mental health challenges: • Anxiety disorders: Intense fear or panic that interferes with daily life. Treatment often includes therapy and medication. • Mood (affective) disorders: Include unipolar depression (persistent sadness, guilt, low energy) and bipolar disorder (alternating periods of depression and extreme excitement or mania). Both can be managed with counseling and medication. 1.3 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) STDs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria or viruses : • Bacterial STDs: Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis. These can often be treated with antibiotics. • Viral STDs: Herpes, genital warts, HIV. Viruses are harder or impossible to eliminate with medicine. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS , which weakens the immune system. HIV spreads mainly through: 1. Sexual activity involving fluid exchange. 2. Contaminated blood. 3. Shared needles. 4. From an infected mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Protection against HIV and AIDS includes abstinence, using condoms, avoiding high - risk behaviors, and never sharing needles. Although there is no cure, treatments can slow the disease and help the immune system .

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    Study Guide 1.4 Death and Young Adulthood Young adults generally have the lowest death rates of any age group . • Leading causes of death: Accidents are most common. HIV/AIDS is a leading cause for males, and cancers for females. • After age 35: Death rates roughly double each decade. Health and mortality are also influenced by socioeconomic status and race : • Less educated, urban, or low - income minorities face higher risks of poor health and premature death . • Minority Americans aged 25 – 45 are more likely to die from homicide or drug overdoses than white Americans in the same age group. 2. Intellectual Development: Age 17 – 45 2.1 Does Intelligence Change in Adulthood? Psychologists have long debated whether intelligence increases, decreases, or stays the same during adulthood. Research shows mixed results: • Cross - sectional studies (comparing people of different ages at one point in time) suggest young adults score higher on IQ tests than middle - aged or older adults. • Longitudinal studies (following the same people over time) suggest intelligence can increase through the decades , at least until around age 50. The differences may be influenced by other factors: • Younger adults today may have more schooling or greater exposure to technology than older generations, which could boost IQ scores. • People who stay in long - term studies may perform better simply because of practice and comfort with testing . So, the truth is more nuanced: intelligence is not static , but how it changes depends on the type of intelligence and life experiences.

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