Acceleration corresponds to a somatic or psychological acceleration of development. In addition to individual accelerations, secular accelerations also occur, in which an entire generation is subject to accelerated development due to environmental influences. Physical accelerations are associated primarily with postural deformities.
What is acceleration?
In terms of sexuality, early onset of puberty in particular refers to acceleration. By acceleration, physicians mean an acceleration or general increase in maturity or growth, such as sexual maturity. In terms of sexuality, an early onset of puberty in particular refers to acceleration. The term derives from the Latin noun “acceleratio,” which literally means “acceleration.” Basically, acceleration occurs when an individual’s physical development is faster or more extreme than that of his or her peers. This is called individual acceleration. In the same way, however, physicians also speak of acceleration when the development of an entire generation is faster or more extreme than that of the preceding generation. In this context, there is also talk of secular acceleration. Sometimes, in addition to somatically accelerated development, accelerated development of the psyche is even referred to as acceleration. In education, too, there can be talk of acceleration. This is especially the case in gifted education, i.e., in forms of instruction for students whose cognitive abilities develop faster than those of the average. The opposite of acceleration is retardation. This phenomenon corresponds to mentally or physically slowed development and occurs, for example, in the context of many genetic mutations.
Function and task
The physical development of a living being is adapted to its environment. Thus, accelerations are phenomena of adaptation that scientists believe are probably due to changing environmental conditions. In industrialized nations, for example, researchers have been able to document an increase in size every year due to the permanently improved standard of living, which apparently corresponds to regular acceleration. The climatic conditions of a region are also associated with physical development. Stimulus supply is also thought to be related to physical development. The many stimuli within an urban civilization have an accelerating effect on the physical development of an individual. Any stress effects during childhood are also thought to have an influence on development. However, some researchers are now questioning the relationship between acceleration and urbanization and industrialization. Especially in recent years, the tide has turned in the industrialized nations. Despite the steadily improving standards of living in these countries, physical development is currently progressing more slowly again.
Diseases and ailments
Acceleration in industrialized nations has favored some health ailments. In 1975, a tall man was around 184 centimeters. In 2000, only a body measurement of 191 centimeters was considered tall in industrialized nations. This acceleration has favored posture problems in particular. A healthy spine curves slightly backward in the chest area and forward a bit in the lumbar area. However, tall people often pull their heads in or move with increased flexion, which goes against the natural curvature of the spine. The shoulders of tall people in particular are often pulled together. This also goes against the natural shape of the spine. In some cases, tall people consciously or unconsciously want to make themselves shorter in order to fit in with the average. On the other hand, their field of interaction is further down and they are partly forced into this incorrect posture because their environment is not designed for them. Objects of everyday use, for example, are often not at their height. The vehicle industry is also not adapted to strong acceleration and may force people of above-average height to adopt incorrect postures, which they make a habit of over the long term. One consequence of this is not only back problems, but above all joint problems. As a result of the incorrect stresses on the joints, the joint cartilage wears out prematurely in many cases, which promotes phenomena such as osteoarthritis.The accompanying symptoms of postural deformities are often severe headaches and neck pain. The natural curvature of the spine dampens stresses during walking or other types of movement. This cushioning function is no longer present in the case of poor posture, which can result in the symptoms mentioned above. Theoretically, the increase in size can be limited medically by giving hormones to those affected. However, this form of treatment is controversial and associated with many side effects. Intervention in physical development is only indicated in cases of severe extremes that would have unacceptable consequences from a health point of view. Accelerated sexual development can also cause discomfort under certain circumstances. For example, according to studies, precocious adolescents tend to have significantly stronger self-assertive tendencies and a strong eroticization of their environment. Some accelerations also occur in the context of a medical condition, such as high growth.
