You: Growing and Changing Chapter 1 You: Growing and Changing

Objectives Identify the three forces that shape personality. Describe six patterns of growth. Define self-concept and self-esteem. Explain how a person’s character is revealed by his or her behavior. Describe what it means to be a responsible adult. Identify possible roadblocks to responsible adulthood.

Terms to Know personality heredity inherited traits environment acquired traits growth pattern puberty pituitary gland emotional growth self-concept self-esteem character citizen citizenship volunteerism goal

Did You Know... Our world has more than 6 billion people. But no one else is exactly like you. You are uniquely and wonderfully yourself!

Your Personality Personality: The group of behavioral and emotional traits that distinguish an individual.

Factors That Shape Personality Heredity: The sum of the traits that are passed from your ancestors to you. Environment: All of the conditions, objects, and circumstances that surround an individual. Your response to your environment.

Heredity Inherited traits: Traits determined by heredity. Can you name some inherited traits? Examples of inherited traits: natural hair color, eye color, nearsightedness.

Environment Acquired traits: Traits developed as a result of environmental factors. Examples of acquired traits include patriotism, learned skills, and good manners. Can you name some acquired traits?

Heredity-Environment Interaction An “ear for music” is inherited. But to become a good instrumentalist, a person must learn to play a musical instrument and practice regularly.

Your Growth Chronological Physical Intellectual Emotional Social Philosophical

Your Growth Pattern Growth pattern: The unique pace at which a person grows. Some types of growth may be rapid while other types are slow. Your growth pattern and your response to it can influence your personality. An example of the influence of growth pattern and response on personality is seen in a very short person who develops his sense of humor and becomes the “class clown” in order to be accepted.

Chronological Growth Is measured by time. We grow older each minute, hour, day, week, month, and year. Your attitude about aging says much about you. People who can accept the aging process tend to be happier than those who cannot. Are you comfortable with aging?

Physical Growth Puberty: The time when the body first is able to reproduce. Pituitary gland: Triggers sudden body change/growth from child to adult. How might a person’s physical growth affect his or her personality development? If you can accept your physical traits and growth pattern, this will have a positive effect on your personality.

Intellectual Growth Your potential for intelligence is inherited. But making the effort to develop your mind counts, too! Reading, doing homework, watching educational TV programs, and discussing ideas with others all contribute to intellectual growth. What kinds of things can you do to grow intellectually?

Emotional Growth Emotional growth: The continuing refinement of emotions or mental states that causes an individual to act in a certain way. Learning to control and express emotions appropriately. Learning to handle mood swings. Many people find that a bad mood can be improved by trying to keep things in perspective, talking things over with a friend, and/or getting some physical exercise. What can you do to improve a “bad mood?”

Social Growth Learning to relate positively to others. Appreciating and following rules made for the benefit of all. Many people wish they could improve their skills in meeting new people in new situations or speaking in front of a large group. What social situations do you wish you could handle better?

Philosophical Growth Finding deeper meaning and purpose in your life. Choosing the right life direction. Many people’s philosophical goals include a deeper understanding of life and life’s purpose. They may find meaning in such things as religious faith, education, marriage, children, travel, enjoying hobbies and sports, and helping others. Name some common philosophical goals.

Your Self-Concept Your self-concept is the way you see yourself. You are unique, and this makes you special! How are you different from your best friend?

How Is Your Self-Concept Formed? It has been shaped by others’ reactions to your behavior from the time you were very young. Many people are happiest when they are open to input from others but evaluate that input carefully. How much are you influenced now by others’ ideas about your abilities?

What Is Self-Esteem? Self-esteem: How you feel about yourself. If you have self-esteem, you feel good about yourself even though you know you aren’t perfect. People with positive self-esteem tend to be kinder to themselves and others. They tend to be more comfortable with new situations and with trying new things. Do you view yourself as a winner or as a “work in progress?”

Building Self-Esteem Identify your strengths. Talk positively to yourself. Accept things you cannot change. Focus on the present and future. Take one step at a time. Be a friend to yourself.

Your Character Character: A sense of right and wrong that guides your behavior. Is partially learned from the people around you. Building good character is your responsibility! In what ways do you think you have good character? Is there room for improvement in other areas?

Your Character You build good character when you obey society’s rules for the benefit of all. make these rules part of you. use these rules to guide your behavior throughout life.

Becoming a Responsible and Independent Adult Becoming a responsible and independent adult means juggling many roles at the same time. building a positive outlook. keeping troubles in perspective. knowing when to get help.

Virtues That Help Build Character Self-discipline Responsibility Honesty and integrity Loyalty Compassion and mercy Motivation and hard work * Perseverance

Learning to Be Responsible Learning to be responsible means trying your best to do what you should do. admitting mistakes and making amends. not blaming others for your mistakes.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Citizen? Citizen: A person who owes loyalty to a government and is entitled to its protection. Citizenship: The status of being a citizen. Involves rights and responsibilities.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Citizen? Citizens have the right to vote equal treatment under the law freedom of speech, worship, and other Constitutional privileges government services

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Citizen? Citizens have the responsibility to vote obey laws stay informed on public affairs pay taxes

A Citizen of Your Local Community Being a good citizen of your local community means helping to make your community a better place to live. Volunteerism: giving or offering services of your own free will. How can you contribute to your community?

A Citizen of the Larger Community Being a good citizen of the larger community means caring for the environment. keeping up with current events worldwide. staying informed on trends affecting global well-being.

Meeting Personal Expectations Each of us has expectations for life. Goal: Something you want to achieve or to have. Name a goal that you have for your life.

Roadblocks to Responsible Adulthood Poverty and unemployment Crime and violence Substance abuse Sexual abuse Teenage pregnancy Sexually transmitted diseases

Concerns of Young Adults Having enough money Staying healthy Avoiding wrong decisions The future of the country Choosing the right career Getting a good job Finding the right person to marry Dealing with family problems Examples of additional concerns are getting an education/job training, learning to handle unfamiliar or difficult social situations (such as public speaking or job interviews), and building self-esteem. Name some additional concerns that young adults may have.

Finding Your Way Seek reliable information. Ask questions. Recognize what is important. Respect your heritage. Create your future!

How can you make your positive possibilities into realities?