Unit 4
P3- Explain the influences of two predictable and two unpredictable major life events on the
development of an individual
A life event can change the direction of our lives, affecting our personal development. Some major
changes that occur are known as expected life events and unexpected life events. Predicted life
events such as marriage, starting school and going through puberty often mark a transition from one
life stage to another. Unexpected life events such as illness, death of a loved one and divorce occur
unexpectedly and are usually associated with loss however, they may lead to positive changes in our
lives. For example, if a family member passes away because of smoking this could lead to positive
change as others close to the individual who passed away might stop smoking to prevent them from
dying the same way.
Predictable life events
Real leaving home case study about Raul’s experience
When I came to New York for the first time, I came totally blank. I was so lucky that I was living in a
collage hostel so all the people I had around me were also living far away from their home. Also, let
me tell you I really missed my home, my friends, my family and my pets. I called my parents about 4
times a week. However, after 2 years of my studies I had a whole new perspective as I no longer
missed the people around me, I guess I got used to it. After my studies, I got a job in New York but I
wished I had my friends and family with me but the feelings of independence and freedom was
great. I eventually met my wife, who I now live with in New York however, I still contact my family
every night. I will now talk about the impact moving out has on an individual.
Leaving home
Leaving home is a predictable life event. when people reach a certain age they outgrow their family
household and move out. This huge event can drastically change the way we develop physically,
intellectually, emotionally and socially. Firstly, the physical development will suffer as an individual
will have a change in their diet due to lack of cooking experience or because they cannot afford the
foods, they used to eat. In addition, it will also cause a lack of nutrition, which can result in slower
growth rates to others. Leaving home will give individuals a sense of freedom which can lead to
them going out more often and choosing the wrong decisions. Such as drinking, smoking and loosing
or gaining weight which will also have an impact on them physically increasing the risk diseases such
as cancer that has a link to smoking and drinking. Secondly, intellectual development. The individual
will need to learn about how to set up gas and water, learn about mortgages to know how to
maintain a house which will improve their intellectual development. Thirdly, emotional
development. Leaving home will result in independence and freedom however; not having support
of your parents constantly can cause feelings of loneliness, fear and sadness, which can affect your
mental health. Finally, social development of an individual can go different ways. If they live on their
own, they will not develop socially however, if an individual moves in with a friend they will socially
interact more. In addition, Social development can also be affected if you live by yourself, as it will
be your job to make sure the house is clean and fit to live in. Maintaining a house can be very time
consuming along with other duties on top of this such as work, because of a time consuming life
young adults who have recently moved in might not be a lot of time to go out with friends.
Therefore, effecting social development.
