Prenatal Development PDF

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT sperm per day — about 1,500 per second (200–300 MILLION 1. Definition of Terms SPERMATOZOA PER DAY). By the end of a full sperm...

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT sperm per day — about 1,500 per second (200–300 MILLION 1. Definition of Terms SPERMATOZOA PER DAY). By the end of a full sperm production cycle, A gamete is a reproductive cell of an you can regenerate up to 8 billion animal or plant. In animals, female sperm. A healthy person can release gametes are called ova or egg cells, 80–300 million sperm per and male gametes are called sperm. ejaculation. Reproduction is the production of 3. The Reproductive Process offspring. It is the biological process by which new individual organisms – Provided all organs are present, "offspring" – are produced from normally constructed, and their "parent" or parents functioning properly, the essential features of Fertilization is the fusion human reproduction are: of gametes to give rise to (1) liberation of an ovum, or egg, at a zygote and initiate its a specific time in the reproductive development into a new individual cycle organism or offspring (2) internal fertilization of the ovum by spermatozoa, or sperm cells A blastocyst is a cluster of dividing (3) transport of the fertilized ovum cells made by a fertilized egg to the uterus, or womb (4) implantation of the blastocyst, Gestation is defined as the time the early embryo developed from between conception and birth. The the fertilized ovum, in the wall of gestation period lasts 280 days/ 40 the uterus weeks. (5) formation of a placenta and maintenance of the unborn child 2. The Human Gametes: Ova and during the entire period of gestation Spermatozoa (6) birth of the child and expulsion of the placenta and At birth, the normal female ovary (7) suckling and care of the child, contains about 1-2 million/oocytes with an eventual return of the (eggs). Females are not capable of maternal organs to virtually their making new eggs, and in fact, there original state is a continuous decline in the total number of eggs each month. By the 4. Stages of Prenatal Development time a girl enters puberty, only about 25% of her lifetime total egg a. Germinal (Zygotic) Stage- pool remains, around 300,000. formation of the zygote and early cell division (first 2 weeks) During spermatogenesis, your b. Embryonic Stage- early growth testicles make several million of the embryo, including the  formation of the neural tube Inherited which will eventually become diseases: Some the brain and the spinal cord (3rd illnesses can be to 8th week) inherited if one or both c. Fetal Stage- is when the organs, parents carry a gene tissues and body grows (9th week for the to birth) disease. Examples of inherited diseases include sickle-cell 5. Some Factors that Can Affect the anemia, cystic fibrosis, Unborn and Tay-Sachs disease. Genetic tests can often a. Genetic Problems. Genetics play determine if a parent a major role in development. In carries the gene for a some cases, genetic problems specific disease. emerge that affect both pre- and postnatal growth of the o Sex-Chromosome developing child in the womb. Problems: These Here are a few: include conditions such as Klinefelter's o Down Syndrome: Also syndrome (an extra X known as Trisomy 21, chromosome) and Down syndrome is the Turner syndrome (a most common genetic single X chromosome). anomaly in prenatal development. Down b. Environmental Problems. syndrome is caused by Environmental variables can also an extra copy of play a major role in prenatal chromosome 21 and development. Harmful affects approximately environmental elements that 1 out of every 1,000 can affect the fetus are known as infants. Typical teratogens. Among them are: features of Down syndrome include o Maternal Drug flattened facial Use. Smoking is linked features, heart defects, to low birth weight, and intellectual which can result in a impairment. The risk of weakened immune having a child with system, poor Down syndrome respiration, and increases with neurological maternal age. impairment. Alcohol o use can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome,  which is associated disability. The use with heart defects, of psychoactive body malformations, drugs such as and intellectual o cocaine and also linked to low birth methamphetamine is weight and o neurological impairment o Maternal Disease Herpes, rubella, AIDS, and other diseases in the mother can cause issues for the fetus. Herpes is one of the most common maternal diseases and can be transmitted to the fetus, leading to deafness, brain swelling, and intellectual disability. Women with the herpes virus are often encouraged to deliver via cesarean section to avoid transmission of the virus.  PERIODS OF DEVELOPMENT § Language development ranges IN THE LIFESPAN from coos, babbles and eventually, their first 1. PRENATAL (Conception to birth) recognizable words. 2. INFANCY & TODDLERHOOD (1st 2 § As they grow, they start to years of life) grasp objects, roll over, sit up, 3. EARLY CHILDHOOD (2 - 6 years) crawl and eventually take their 4. MIDDLE AND LATE CHILDHOOD (6 first steps, embarking on the years - onset of puberty) exciting journey of walking. 5. ADOLESCENCE (Onset of puberty - § A newborn, with a keen sense 18 years) of hearing but very poor vision 6. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (18 - 25 is transformed into a walking, years) talking toddler within a 7. EARLY ADULTHOOD (25 - 40-45 relatively short period of time. years) § They also develop emotional 8. MIDDLE ADULTHOOD (40-45 - 60- attachments to their primary 65 years) caregivers. Throughout this 9. LATE ADULTHOOD (65 years stage, they experience a range onward) of emotions, including joy, sadness, and fear, and begin to 1. PRENATAL respond to their environment § Conception occurs and and the people around them. development begins. § Caregivers are also transformed § All of the major structures of from someone who manages the body are forming and the feeding and sleep schedules to health of the mother is of a constantly moving guide and primary concern. safety inspector for a mobile, § Understanding nutrition, energetic child. teratogens (or environmental 3. EARLY CHILDHOOD factors that can lead to birth § This period is also referred to defects), labor and delivery are as the preschool years. primary concerns. § Preschool age marks an important transition as children 2. INFANCY & TODDLERHOOD prepare for formal education. § Dramatic growth, change and § The child is busy learning discovery takes place. language, gaining a sense of § Infants develop their motor self and greater independence, skills, language abilities and and is beginning to learn the social interactions. workings of the physical world.  § They engage in problem- abstract concepts such as love, solving, categorizing objects, fear, and freedom. and using their imagination § Ironically, adolescents have a more complexly. They develop sense of invincibility that puts a sense of curiosity and begin them at greater risk of dying to ask more in-depth questions from accidents or contracting about the world around them. sexually transmitted infections § Socially, they develop greater that can have lifelong independence and play consequences. cooperatively with others. They 6. EMERGING ADULTHOOD learn to take turns, share toys, § The period is a transitional and engage in imaginative play time between the end of with their peers adolescence and before individuals acquire all the 4. MIDDLE & LATE CHILDHOOD benchmarks of adulthood. § The age of six to the onset of § Continued identity exploration puberty comprises middle and and preparation for full late childhood, and much of independence from parents are what children experience at demonstrated. Although at this age is connected to their one’s physiological peak, involvement in the early grades emerging adults are most at of school. risk for involvement in violent § Now the world becomes one of crimes and substance abuse. learning and testing new academic skills and by assessing one’s abilities and accomplishments by making 7. EARLY ADULTHOOD comparisons between self and § The twenties and thirties are others. identified as early adulthood. 5. ADOLESCENCE § Intimate relationships, § Adolescence is a period of establishing families, and work dramatic physical change are primary concerns at this marked by an overall growth stage of life. spurt and sexual maturation, 8. MIDDLE ADULTHOOD known as puberty. § The forties through the mid- § It is also a time of cognitive sixties is referred to as middle change as the adolescent adulthood. This is a period in begins to think of new which aging becomes more possibilities and to consider noticeable and when many  people are at their peak of Principle # 1. Growth and productivity in love and work. Development is Continuous 9. LATE ADULTHOOD The process of growth begins § Late adulthood is sometimes at conception until the subdivided into two categories: individual reaches maturity. The young-old who are from Yet, even after maturity has 65-84 years and the oldest-old been attained, development who are 85 years and older. continues. § One of the primary differences between these groups is that Principle # 2. Growth and the young-old are still relatively Development is Gradual healthy, productive, active, and - It does not come all of a the majority continue to live sudden. independently. - It is cumulative in nature. § With both age groups the risks of diseases such as, Principle # 3. Growth and arteriosclerosis, cancer, and Development is Directional cerebral vascular disease Cephalocaudal - change increases substantially. proceeds from head to foot Proximodistal - change Principles of Human Growth and proceeds from the middle to Development extremities Definition of Terms Principle # 4. Development Proceeds - GROWTH is a physical change from Simple to Complex and is measurable. Children use their cognitive and - DEVELOPMENT can be defined language skills to learn to as the process by which a child reason and solve problems. changes over time- the Similarities between objects increase in the complexity of are first observed before function and skill progression. children can identify - MATURATION is the sequence differences and complexities. of physical changes that are related to genetic influences. It Principle # 5. Development is is independent of the Sequential & Predictable environment but its timing can Most psychologists agree that be influenced by development is sequential or environmental factors. orderly. All species, whether animal or human, follow a  pattern of development with some sort of general fear peculiar to them. response. Later, their fears This pattern in general is the become more specific and elicit same for all individuals. The different kinds of behavior, child crawls before he creeps, such as, crying, turning away stands before he walks and and hiding etc. babbles before he talks. Principle # 9. Most Traits are Principle # 6. Early Development is Correlated in Development More Sensitive and Critical Development in one area is Experiences during the highly related to development formative years have strong in other areas. A child who is impact on children’s hereditary healthy can be active socially potentials. and intellectually. Generally, a child whose Principle # 7. Rates of Development mental development is above Vary from Person to Person average, is also superior in so Rate of development is not many other aspects like health, uniform. Individuals differ in sociability and special the rate of growth and aptitudes. development. Boys and girls have different development rates. Each part of the body has its own particular rate of Principle # 10. Growth and growth. Development is a Product of There are periods of great Heredity and Environment intensity and equilibrium and A child’s genetic inheritance there are periods of imbalance. provides the basic foundation for many physical and Principle # 8. Development Proceeds personality attributes but the from General to Specific influences of social, cultural In all areas of development, and familial variables also general activity always contribute to development. precedes specific activity. For example, the fetus moves its Principle # 11. Child Development whole body but is incapable of Takes place in Stages making specific responses. Each stage has unique With respect to emotional characteristics. behavior infants approach strange and unusual objects  Certain types of behavior traits This allows them to engage in are more conspicuous than activities that require more others. stability and interaction with Key Milestones in Early Childhood their environment. Development Crawling is an exciting milestone that follows sitting Early childhood is a critical up. It involves using arms and period of growth and legs to move around on the development, where children floor. reach important milestones Crawling helps infants explore that set the foundation for their surroundings and develop their future. their gross motor skills further. Walking is a major physical Physical Milestones milestone between 9 and 15 Physical milestones are months. As children gain important indicators of a child's strength in their legs and development. improve their balance, they They mark children's progress begin to take their first steps. in controlling their bodies and Walking opens up a whole new mastering various movements. world of independence and During early childhood, exploration. children experience significant As children grow older, they growth and development in engage in more complex their physical abilities. physical activities. Jumping and One of the earliest physical running become possible as milestones is rolling over. As their muscles and coordination babies gain strength in their skills develop. neck and core muscles, they These activities enhance their learn to roll from their backs to physical abilities and improve their stomachs and vice versa. their overall health and well- This newfound skill opens up a being. whole new world of In addition to gross motor exploration for them. skills, fine motor skills also Sitting up is another significant develop during early childhood. milestone. As infants develop Children learn to manipulate stronger back and neck objects, use utensils, and dress muscles, they can maintain an themselves. upright position without They can engage in detailed support. tasks like coloring and writing,  which support their cognitive problem-solving skills, and and creative development. social interaction. The ability to follow Cognitive Milestones instructions and solve simple Cognitive milestones involve puzzles is also an important the development of thinking, cognitive milestone in early problem-solving, and memory childhood. As children's skills. They reflect children's cognitive abilities progress, growing ability to understand they can understand and carry and make sense of the world out multi-step instructions. around them. They can also solve puzzles that One important cognitive require basic problem-solving milestone is understanding skills, such as fitting shapes cause and effect. Children into corresponding holes. begin to grasp that certain actions lead to specific Social and Emotional Milestones outcomes. For example, they Social and emotional learn that pressing a button milestones encompass a child's makes a toy light up or that ability to interact with others, dropping an object makes it fall express and manage emotions, to the ground. and develop relationships. Recognizing shapes, colors, These milestones are crucial in and numbers is another shaping a child's social and significant cognitive milestone. emotional well-being. As children's cognitive abilities Showing empathy is a expand, they can identify basic significant social and emotional shapes like circles, squares, and milestone. Children begin to triangles. They also start understand and respond to the recognizing primary colors and feelings of others, counting objects, laying the demonstrating care and foundation for later concern. They learn to put mathematical learning. themselves in someone else's Engaging in imaginative and shoes, an essential skill for pretend play is a crucial building positive relationships. cognitive milestone. Children Cooperating and sharing with develop the ability to create others is another important scenarios, use their milestone. As children interact imagination, and take on with their peers, they learn to different roles. This type of play take turns, share toys, and enhances their creativity, work together towards  common goals. These for building a positive self- experiences foster teamwork, image and developing a sense empathy, and social skills. of purpose. Following rules is a key social Factors Influencing Early milestone. Children start to Childhood Development understand and follow simple Early childhood development is instructions and guidelines. a complex process that is This skill is essential for influenced by a variety of navigating social situations and factors. While genetic factors participating in group activities. play a significant role in a Understanding social cues and child's development, other gestures is also crucial for important factors contribute to social development. Children their growth and well-being. learn to interpret facial Genetic Factors expressions, body language, Inherited traits and and tone of voice. This ability characteristics can influence helps them understand and their growth, including physical respond appropriately in social attributes, intellectual interactions. potential, and personality Emotionally, children begin to traits. identify and express a wide For example, a child may range of emotions. They inherit their parent's eye color, experience joy, excitement, height, or musical talent. anger, sadness, and more. They Understanding a child's genetic learn to regulate their makeup can provide valuable emotions, developing insights into their strengths, strategies to cope with weaknesses, and potential different feelings. This developmental areas of emotional foundation supports concern. healthy relationships and Environmental Factors overall well-being in later years. The environment in which a Developing a strong sense of child grows and develops self-identity is another profoundly impacts their overall well-being. important social and emotional milestone. Children start to A safe and nurturing recognize their unique environment promotes healthy characteristics, preferences, development, while a negative and strengths. This self- or stressful environment can awareness lays the groundwork hinder growth.  Access to nutritious food is Access to quality education is essential for a child's physical another crucial factor growth and brain development. impacting a child's A well-balanced diet provides development. Early childhood the necessary nutrients and education programs provide energy for their bodies to opportunities for learning and function optimally. socialization, which are essential for cognitive and Additionally, clean water is social development. crucial for maintaining good health and preventing diseases Furthermore, community that can hinder development. support services, such as parenting classes, childcare Quality healthcare is also assistance, and recreational important for early childhood programs, can enhance a development. Regular check- child's optimal growth and ups, vaccinations, and timely development opportunities. medical interventions can help identify and address any health How to Support Early Childhood issues affecting a child's Development growth. Early childhood is a critical Furthermore, exposure to period for development, as it enriching experiences, such as lays the foundation for a child's reading, music, and art, can future growth and well-being. stimulate cognitive Supporting early childhood development and creativity. development requires creating Socioeconomic Factors a healthy, nurturing environment fostering learning, Socioeconomic factors, exploration, and growth. including family income, education level, and Encouraging Healthy Habits community resources, can This includes a balanced diet, greatly influence early regular physical activity, and childhood development. sufficient sleep. A healthy diet A stable and supportive family of essential nutrients fuels a environment is essential for a child's growing body and brain, child's well-being. Positive supporting optimal parent-child interactions, development. emotional support, and a Encouraging regular physical nurturing home environment activity not only promotes promote healthy development. physical health but also  enhances cognitive function children to ask questions and seek and emotional well-being. knowledge In addition to a healthy diet The Role of Play in Development and physical activity, providing Play is a vital aspect of early opportunities for creative and childhood development, as it imaginative play is crucial. supports the growth of various Play is a natural and instinctive skills and abilities. Encouraging behavior for children, and it both free play and structured plays a significant role in their play activities allows children overall development. to engage their bodies and minds, promoting holistic Engaging in play fosters development. cognitive, social, and emotional skills, allowing children to During free play, children can explore their interests and explore their interests, make develop a sense of self. choices, and develop their creativity. This type of play Fostering a Stimulating Environment allows children to express Exposing children to an themselves, solve problems, environment enriched with and develop a sense of age-appropriate toys, books, autonomy. On the other hand, and activities encourages structured play activities, such curiosity, exploration, and as puzzles, board games, and learning. building blocks, provide It is important to provide a opportunities for children to variety of stimuli to engage learn and practice specific their senses, such as different skills, such as problem-solving, textures, colors, and sounds. cooperation, and fine motor skills. Engaging in interactive play and conversation with children Play promotes cognitive, social, promotes language and emotional, and physical cognitive development. By development and fosters actively participating in play creativity, problem-solving, and and conversation, adults can self-expression. It allows help children expand their children to make sense of their vocabulary, develop experiences, develop communication skills, and resilience, and learn how to enhance their understanding of navigate social interactions. the world. Through play, children develop a strong foundation for future This interactive engagement fosters a learning and growth. love for learning and encourages  In conclusion, supporting early Common Signs of Developmental childhood development Delays requires creating a healthy and Delayed speech or language nurturing environment that skills are the most common encourages healthy habits, signs of a developmental delay. fosters a stimulating If the child is not meeting the environment, and recognizes expected milestones for their the essential role of play. By age regarding speech and implementing these strategies, language, it may indicate that we can ensure that children they need additional support in have the best possible start in this area. life, setting them up for success in their future endeavors. Difficulties with fine or gross motor skills are another red Play promotes cognitive, social, flag for developmental delays. emotional, and physical Fine motor skills involve development and fosters coordinating small muscles, creativity, problem-solving, and such as writing or buttoning self-expression. It allows clothes. In contrast, gross children to make sense of their motor skills involve experiences, develop coordinating larger muscles, resilience, and learn how to such as those used for walking navigate social interactions. or jumping. If the child Through play, children develop struggles with these skills, it is a strong foundation for future important to address them learning and growth. early. In conclusion, supporting early The trouble with social childhood development interactions or expressing requires creating a healthy and emotions can also indicate a nurturing environment that developmental delay. If the encourages healthy habits, child is having difficulty making fosters a stimulating friends, understanding social environment, and recognizes cues, or expressing their the essential role of play. By emotions appropriately, it may implementing these strategies, indicate that they need we can ensure that children additional support in these have the best possible start in areas. life, setting them up for success in their future endeavors. Challenges with problem- solving or understanding instructions are another common sign of a developmental delay. If the  child struggles to follow exact age range can vary directions, solve simple slightly depending on cultural problems, or understand and individual factors. concepts appropriate for their This stage is marked by age, it is important to seek significant physical, cognitive, professional help. emotional, and social changes. When to Seek Professional Help Here are some key characteristics and If the suspect that the child features of the period of adolescence: may be experiencing 1. Physical Changes: developmental delays, it is important to consult with a Puberty: Adolescence is healthcare professional or early characterized by the onset of childhood specialist. They can puberty, a process during assess the child's development which individuals undergo and guide the appropriate significant physical changes, steps. including the development of secondary sexual Early intervention can make a characteristics such as breast significant difference in development in females and addressing developmental facial hair growth in males. concerns and providing necessary support and Growth Spurt: Adolescents resources for the child's often experience rapid growth optimal development. By spurts, leading to changes in seeking professional help early height, weight, and body on, one can ensure that the composition. child receives the appropriate 2. Cognitive Changes: interventions and therapies to help them reach their full Abstract Thinking: Adolescents potential. begin to develop the ability to think abstractly, reason Characteristic Changes in logically, and engage in more Adolescence complex problem-solving. Adolescence Identity Formation: This is a Transitional stage of crucial aspect of cognitive development that occurs development during between childhood and adolescence. Individuals adulthood. explore and experiment with various roles, values, and Generally considered to be the beliefs to establish their own period of life between the ages identity. of 10 and 19, although the 3. Emotional Changes Social Identity: Adolescents explore and develop a sense of Emotional Intensity: social identity, which may Adolescents often experience include factors such as gender, heightened emotional ethnicity, and cultural intensity, marked by mood background. swings, increased self- awareness, and a more 4. Social Changes complex range of emotions. Peer Relationships: Peer Search for Autonomy: There is relationships become more a desire for increased central during adolescence, independence and autonomy and friendships take on greater from parents or caregivers, importance. Peer influence can coupled with the challenge of significantly impact behavior balancing independence with and decision-making. the need for guidance and Social Identity: Adolescents support. explore and develop a sense of 4. Social Changes social identity, which may include factors such as gender, Peer Relationships: Peer ethnicity, and cultural relationships become more background. central during adolescence, and friendships take on greater 8. Preparation for Adulthood importance. Peer influence can Transition to Adulthood: The significantly impact behavior ultimate goal of adolescence is and decision-making. to prepare individuals for Social Identity: Adolescents adulthood. This involves explore and develop a sense of acquiring the skills, social identity, which may knowledge, and social include factors such as gender, competence needed to ethnicity, and cultural function independently in background. society. It's important to note that while these characteristics 4. Social Changes are common during Peer Relationships: Peer adolescence, individual relationships become more experiences can vary widely. central during adolescence, Additionally, cultural and and friendships take on greater societal influences play a importance. Peer influence can significant role in shaping the significantly impact behavior adolescent experience and decision-making. Marcia’s Identity Theory Short Biography little kid, what did you want to be when you grow up? Is that Ø James Marcia was born in a the same dream you have middle-class family on now? Have your political and February 10, 1937, in religious beliefs evolved over Cleveland, Ohio, and spent his time childhood in Columbus, Ohio. Marcia’s Identity Theory Ø He grew up practicing tennis, drama, speech, and music. Marcia's theory is an expansion on German psychologist Erik Ø he explored different subjects Erikson's psychosocial including history, English, and development theory. philosophy, and graduated in 1959 with a bachelor's degree His Identity Status Theory in psychology from Wittenberg purports that in adolescence, University in Springfield, Ohio. people experience four distinct Ø he also received a master's and stages in order to establish a doctoral degree in 1965 from their identity and sense of self. Ohio State University in clinical Marcia's theory suggest that psychology. individuals begin to construct Ø he began his professional their personal identities during career in 1965 as a professor childhood, and that their and director of the psychology identities will develop during clinic at the University at adolescence and early Buffalo. adulthood. Identity His research and writings have largely focused on adolescent Ø The process of finding our true development. self results in finding what psychologist have called He believed that identity is identity. mostly based on two things. Ø identity can be defined as an - Occupation - job, doctor, individuals combination of teacher behaviors, preferences, - Ideology - religion, politics thoughts, talents, and beliefs. - Marcia developed his theory and Ø All people have lots of different defined his four identity statuses identities over their lifespan. by conducting a series of identity status interviews with adolescent Example: individuals. You are probably not the same Identity Foreclosure person now as you were 10 years ago. When you were a  Dedication to an identity or set have also not started of values prematurely and exploring options. without compromise. Those Low commitment to a with identity foreclosure accept particular identity. the values that others like During this identity status, parents, coaches, siblings, or there is low commitment to instructors have placed on an identity as well as low them without considering exploration. other roles or visions for Adolescents have not themselves they might prefer. considered their identity at when someone accepts all, and have not established without question, the values, any life goals. skills, goals, and overall worth Thus, this identity status someone else has assigned to represents a low level of them. exploration and a low level A commitment to an identity of commitment. without a crisis. Their primary motivation is It occurs when parents hand hedonic the avoidance of down their traditions and discomfort and acquisition commitments. of pleasure. Forclosure involves committing Identity Moratorium to an identity prematurely without exploration or choice. is a status that describes Low degree of exploration but those who are actively a high degree of commitment. exploring in an attempt to Youth obtain their identity establish an identity but simply by accepting the beliefs have yet to have made any and values of their family, commitment. community, and culture. Identity moratorium in the This stage involves being highly midst of a crisis, searching committed to an identity for an identity to adopt. without any exploration A stage of active exploration and a low Identity Diffusion commitment to a particular is a status that characterizes identity. those who have neither High degree of exploration explored the options nor but low degree of made a commitment to an commitment. identity. Have not made any final refers to those who have decisions about which not decided who they are or beliefs and values are most what they want, and they important to them. Identity Achievement Overwhelmed or unaware of number of possibilities so inertia is a cognitive process that sets. refers to exploring an identity and developing an IDENTITY MORATORIUM understanding of the meaning LOW commitment to the prospect of that identity in one's own of a new career identity but HIGH life. level of engagement in exploring Identity achievement is said to new opportunities so are more be achieved when the knowledgeable about possible adolescent has undergone a options. crisis (exploration) and now IDENTITY ACHIEVEMENT made a commitment to a particular identity. HIGH commitment to a new career identity and HIGH exploration of A high degree of commitment possible new career options. and an equally high degree of Accepting of a new career and exploration with regard to that taking positive action to explore identity. the job market. At this identity, status youth IDENTITY STATUS SHIFT will have decided what values and goals are most important Throughout the life cycle to them, and what purpose, or identity status shifts will occur. mission will direct your life. When identity status change This can be achieved their occurs (in late adolescence and identity by a process of active young adulthood), the change is exploration and strong more than twice as likely to be commitment to a particular set progressive as opposed to of values, beliefs, and life goals. regressive. IDENTITY FORECLOSURE When disequilibrium occurs, a period of re-construction HIGH commitment towards the begins. These periods of re- prospect of a new career identity construction are called the but LOW exploration activity. Have moratorium- achievement- accepted the prospect of changing moratorium-achievement careers but unmotivated to strt the (MAMA) cycles and each process of job seeking. person's life there are a IDENTITY DIFFUSION minimum of their MAMA cycles, corresponding with the LOW commitment towards three remaining psychosocial considering a new career. LOW stages. motivation to explore new options.