Human, Social, And Moral Development - 1669 Words

The most effective prevention programs take a lifespan approach and consider developmental knowledge and theories throughout planning, activity selection, and implementation. While prevention and intervention efforts are important during all stages of life, they are especially important during childhood and adolescence, when risk factors may be more easily avoided and protective factors can be established that may last a lifetime (Cohen, ChaÃŒ vez, Chehimi, 2007). Brain, human, social, and moral development are critical to prevention program design and implementation. Developmental knowledge helps prevention professionals predict behavior and facilitate preemptive skill-building that is necessary for avoiding and managing risky†¦show more content†¦The brain begins developing in the first few weeks after conception and continues to grow into early adulthood. Alcohol and drug use during pregnancy can impair the brain development of a fetus, producing central nervous sys tem problems, mental retardation, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues (Bloom, Beal, Kupfer, 2003). After birth, the brain continues to grow. Existing neurons increase in size, become stronger, and make numerous connections with each other. These changes increase a child’s ability to process information in their environment. Auditory processing, vision, and language comprehension and acquisition occur during a child’s first 6 years. Physical coordination, motivation, and sexual development also progress during childhood. Exposing children to constructive physical, mental, and emotional conditions is critical for appropriate brain development. Conversely, alcohol and drug use during the childhood years can severely impair the development of sensory processes, coordination, and motivation (Bloom, Beal, Kupfer, 2003). During adolescence, brain changes focus on working memory, higher level cognition, and emotions. These changes combine with hormonal surg es to impact judgment, impulsivity, coping skills, and sensation-seeking, increasing the chances for