HSC BTEC UNIT 1 – HUMAN LIFESPAN
DEVELOPMENT NOTES (LOA)
PIES Development across Early Adulthood
Physical Development
At this stage of an individual’s life, there are a wide range of
changes that occur as a response to the individual’s physical
development, such as:
Individuals at this stage are deemed physically mature,
from 18-28 years
Reaching their full height and strength
Reaction time and dexterity at their peak
The decline in physical ability will also be exacerbated
toward the “end of life” stage, if they have an unhealthy
diet within early adulthood.
Pregnancy and Lactation
During early pregnancies, women experience many physical
and emotional changes in preparation of parenthood, including
increases in oestrogen and progesterone. Pregnancies can also
alter breast conditions, such as becoming more tender and
sensitive, in preparation of lactation (milk production).
Intellectual Development
In early adulthood, individuals start to apply skills obtained
from childhood and adolescence, exploring into more life
experiences to make better choices moving forward in their
lives. They may also start to think more logically, finding more
realistic answers to their problems. Within job and career roles,
adult will think through problems, address different tasks, and
learn new skills or procedures to work more effectively.
According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, adults
at this stage are in the “post formal operational stage”.
DEVELOPMENT NOTES (LOA)
PIES Development across Early Adulthood
Physical Development
At this stage of an individual’s life, there are a wide range of
changes that occur as a response to the individual’s physical
development, such as:
Individuals at this stage are deemed physically mature,
from 18-28 years
Reaching their full height and strength
Reaction time and dexterity at their peak
The decline in physical ability will also be exacerbated
toward the “end of life” stage, if they have an unhealthy
diet within early adulthood.
Pregnancy and Lactation
During early pregnancies, women experience many physical
and emotional changes in preparation of parenthood, including
increases in oestrogen and progesterone. Pregnancies can also
alter breast conditions, such as becoming more tender and
sensitive, in preparation of lactation (milk production).
Intellectual Development
In early adulthood, individuals start to apply skills obtained
from childhood and adolescence, exploring into more life
experiences to make better choices moving forward in their
lives. They may also start to think more logically, finding more
realistic answers to their problems. Within job and career roles,
adult will think through problems, address different tasks, and
learn new skills or procedures to work more effectively.
According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, adults
at this stage are in the “post formal operational stage”.
